Planned attack on Lady Gaga concert in Rio de Janeiro foiled: Brazilian police
May 05, 2025
Rio de Janeiro [Brazil], May 5: Police in Rio de Janeiro say they have stopped a planned attack on a Lady Gaga's massive concert at Copacabana Beach, where the US singer performed for free on Saturday evening to an audience of 2.1 million people.
Authorities arrested the alleged leader of a group accused of spreading hate speech and radicalizing young people on social media, as well as a juvenile. The timing of the police operation remains unclear.
Investigators identified the group as recruiting individuals, including youths, to carry out attacks using explosives and Molotov cocktails, with plans targeting children, teenagers and the LGBT community. Raids were conducted across four Brazilian states - Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul and Mato Grosso - with 15 warrants executed against nine suspects.
Electronic devices and other evidence were seized during what police described as a carefully managed operation carried out discreetly to prevent panic and misinformation. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune