Two blasts near Brazil’s Supreme Court leave one dead, authorities investigate
Police guard the crime scene where a man died after an explosion in front of Brazil's Supreme Federal Court in Brasilia, Brazil, on November 13, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Two explosions occurred near Brazil’s Federal Supreme Court (STF) in the capital, Brasilia, killing one person and prompting the evacuation of those inside the courthouse, authorities confirmed.
The blasts took place in a plaza near the STF building, according to the news agency Agencia Brasil. Following the explosions, law enforcement and fire services were dispatched to the scene in large numbers. In a statement, the Civil Police of the Federal District announced an investigation into the incident.
The explosions also led to heightened security measures, with the surrounding area—which includes the Presidential Palace Planalto and the National Congress—closed off to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s spokesperson, Jose Chrispiniano, confirmed that Lula was not present in the palace at the time of the incident.
Authorities later identified the first explosion as a suicide bombing. Initial examinations revealed that the first bomb had been concealed inside a statue, which detonated, resulting in the death of the suspected bomber at the scene. A second explosion occurred in a nearby parked vehicle. Officials stated that they are investigating whether the two explosions are connected.
An investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine the motives behind the attacks and assess any further security risks in the area.
