Explosions occurred at Brasília’s Plaza of the Three Powers, resulting in chaos and the death of a man linked to the right-wing Liberal Party. The individual attempted to breach security at the Supreme Court before detonating an explosive device. Eyewitnesses noted his peculiar behavior and social media hints about his intentions. The area has been secured by authorities, and investigations revealed fireworks and stones in his vehicle. The incidents evoke memories of the January 2023 unrest involving Bolsonaro supporters.
Explosions Rock Brasília’s Plaza of the Three Powers
In a shocking turn of events on Wednesday evening around 7:30 PM local time, the Plaza of the Three Powers in Brasília experienced two explosive incidents. This significant square, which houses the Supreme Court, the Presidential Palace, and Congress, was the scene of chaos as the first explosion erupted from a vehicle parked between the Supreme Court and Congress. Approximately 20 seconds later, a second blast occurred close to the Supreme Court, resulting in the tragic death of a man.
Investigation Underway Following Disturbing Events
Reports suggest that the deceased individual hailed from southern Brazil and was the owner of the car involved in the first explosion. Authorities believe he may have had ties to the right-wing conservative Liberal Party, which is notably associated with Jair Messias Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil. A politician familiar with the victim remarked that he had been acting strangely in recent days.
Just prior to the second explosion, the man attempted to breach the Supreme Court’s security. He reportedly threw an explosive device towards the building, and when approached by a security guard, he revealed an explosive device attached to his body before detonating it while lying on the ground.
In the aftermath of these events, authorities have cordoned off the Plaza of the Three Powers, with bomb disposal experts on-site. Reports indicate that fireworks and stones were discovered within the politician’s vehicle during the investigation.
Eyewitness accounts describe the attacker wearing attire featuring the comic character Joker, and he had hinted at his plans on social media. One of his posts read, “Shall we play? Hello Federal Police, you have 72 hours to defuse the bomb located in the house of the damn communists.” He also shared a photo from inside the Supreme Court, taken during a public tour in August, captioned, “They let the fox into the henhouse.”
At the time of the explosions, the Supreme Court was deliberating on a constitutional amendment concerning the taxation of churches, and court staff were swiftly moved to safety. Although the blasts were audible in the nearby Congress, sessions continued without interruption. Notably, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was not present in the Presidential Palace during the incident.
The recent explosions have stirred memories of the January 8, 2023, unrest, when supporters of ousted president Bolsonaro stormed the government district, resulting in extensive vandalism around the Plaza of the Three Powers. Protests had erupted against President Lula da Silva’s administration, with Bolsonaro’s supporters alleging electoral fraud.
While the connection between these recent explosions and the previous turmoil remains uncertain, it is noteworthy that Bolsonaro’s tenure was characterized by contentious rhetoric aimed at the Supreme Court, particularly targeting Judge Alexandre de Moraes. There are reports that Bolsonaro’s supporters had even plotted attacks on the judge.
To date, the Supreme Court has convicted 265 individuals for their involvement in the January 2023 attacks, with some facing charges of attempted coup. Proceedings in 476 cases have been suspended under certain conditions, while four individuals were acquitted. Trials for 15 additional cases commenced last Friday.
Moreover, 63 individuals are believed to have fled to neighboring Argentina to evade prosecution, with Judge Alexandre de Moraes recently calling for their extradition. Bolsonaro and his political allies have consistently criticized the Supreme Court’s actions against his supporters.