Explosives and timer found on suspect’s body after attack on Brazil’s top court
BRAZIL – A man killed himself while detonating explosives after trying to enter Brazil’s Supreme Court, authorities said Wednesday, in an attack on the political heart of the country that prompted the evacuation of court staff and legislators in the capital Brasilia. Officers found explosives and a timer attached to the man’s body and are conducting an X-Ray assessment to determine whether there is further danger from possible explosives on his belt, according to a military police spokesperson.
“If there are explosives, we will decide whether we cut the belt or if there is a risk of a new explosion, or if we need to take other measures to neutralize the explosives,” Major Raphael van der Broocke told reporters. The Three Powers Plaza, home to all three branches of Brazil’s government, was blocked off Wednesday evening after two explosions were detonated. Police have launched an investigation and a sweep of the area. The first explosion originated in a car at 7:30 p.m. local time, Celina Leão, vice-governor of the Federal District told reporters late Wednesday. CNN affiliate CNN Brasil earlier reported the blast took place on a street next to Annex 4 of the nearby Congress. The suspect then tried to enter the Supreme Court building, but was unable to, and a second explosion was detonated outside the door, Leão added. There were no other victims of the attack, she said. (CNN)
Photo: Police inspect a vehicle outside the Supreme Court in Brasília, Brazil, following an explosion. (AP) …[+]