Brazil: Brazilian police have confirmed they prevented a bomb attack planned for Lady Gaga’s free concert at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro.
Brazilian authorities said they thwarted a planned bomb attack targeting Lady Gaga’s free concert, where more than two million fans gathered for the show.
In a statement, the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro state confirmed that the plot involved improvised explosive devices and was orchestrated by individuals seeking notoriety on social media. The operation was carried out in coordination with Brazil’s justice ministry.
Two people were arrested in connection with the scheme, including the alleged mastermind, who was found in possession of an illegal firearm in Rio Grande do Sul, and a teenager detained in Rio de Janeiro for storing child sexual abuse material. Police also reported that the group behind the plot was disseminating hate speech, primarily targeting children, adolescents, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Authorities said the suspects had promoted online radicalisation among teenagers, encouraging violence and self-harm as part of a twisted sense of belonging.
Dubbed ‘Operation Fake Monster’ a reference to Lady Gaga’s fanbase known as Little Monsters, the investigation was triggered by a tip from police intelligence. Search warrants were executed across four states: Rio de Janeiro, Mato Grosso, Rio Grande do Sul, and São Paulo. Electronic devices and other materials were seized.
Despite the serious threat, Lady Gaga’s team said they only became aware of the incident after the concert had taken place.
The concert marked Lady Gaga’s return to Brazil after more than a decade and was part of her global tour promoting her eighth studio album, Mayhem. The event was funded by the city of Rio de Janeiro, which expects it to inject up to $100 million into the local economy.
To secure the massive event, 5,000 police officers were deployed, with attendees required to pass through metal detectors. Drones and facial recognition technology were also used to monitor the crowd.
Lady Gaga appeared visibly moved as she addressed the audience, stating that, “You waited for more than 10 years for me,” while waving a Brazilian flag and donning outfits inspired by the national football team.
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