Man found dead after explosions outside Brazil's Supreme Court

The Brazilian Supreme Court was evacuated this Wednesday evening, November 13, 2024, in Brasilia, the country's capital, after two strong explosions nearby, the court announced. Police say a man was found dead outside the building. He allegedly attempted to enter the Supreme Court premises carrying explosives.

One death confirmed, judges and staff evacuated

Two loud explosions were heard at the end of the court session this Wednesday, the Court said in a statement. The judges and staff on site were evacuated.

We can confirm that there is a body before the Federal Supreme Courta spokesperson for the Federal Police told Agence France Presse.

According to Celina Leao, governor of Brasilia, who spoke to the press, this individual approached the Federal Supreme Court, tried to enter, did not succeed and the explosion occurred in front of the door.

President Lula safe, says spokesperson

The explosions rang out around 7:30 p.m. local time, reports the American news agency Associated Press. Videos shared by local media show two explosions, separated by 20 seconds.

The Supreme Court is located in Three Powers Square, the heart of Brazilian democracy, where it faces the presidential palace and Parliament.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva was not present in the presidential palace at the time of the explosion, said José Chrispiniano, presidential spokesperson.

According to CNN Brazil, an investigation has been opened.

Brazil's attorney general condemns 'attacks'

In a publication on the social network attacks on the Federal Supreme Court and the House of Representativesindicating that the police would investigate rigorously and urgently the explosions that occurred within the perimeter of the Place des Trois-Pouvoirs.

I express my solidarity with the ministers and parliamentarians, he added. We must understand the motivations for these attacks and restore peace and security as quickly as possible.

President Lula is due to host a G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro on Monday and Tuesday, bringing together most of the leaders of the world's main economies. On Wednesday, he is due to receive Chinese President Xi Jinping on a state visit to Brasilia.