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Man carrying explosives died trying to enter Brazil’s Supreme Court
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Man carrying explosives died trying to enter Brazil’s Supreme Court

A man carrying explosives died in what appeared to be a suicide while trying to enter Brazil’s Supreme Court on Wednesday, authorities said.

“This citizen approached the Federal Supreme Court, tried to enter, failed, and an explosion occurred at the entrance,” Brazilian Governor Celina Leao told reporters.

“Initial indications are that this was a suicide and no one else was injured,” he said.

The man’s body was found outside the courthouse after two explosions.

The first came from a car in the square outside the field. The second occurred when the man was trying to enter the courthouse, and that explosion killed him, the governor said.

The incident occurred ahead of the G20 summit, which will bring together leaders from around the world in Rio de Janeiro next Monday and Tuesday.

After the summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping is planned to stay in Brazil and travel to Brazil for an official visit.

The high court said in a statement that two large explosions were heard at the end of Wednesday’s session and the judges were evacuated safely.

The court is located in Praca dos Tres Poderes (Seat of the Three Powers), which also overlooks the presidential palace and Congress.

The presidential palace was locked down while a large contingent of police patrolled the plaza. A spokesman said President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was not at the palace at the time of the explosions.

Federal police called the explosions an “attack” and said the investigation was ongoing.

The governor said the murdered man could not be immediately identified because suspicious objects were still found around his body.

“We confirm the incident appears to be a lone wolf,” he added.

The area involved was the scene of high drama last year.

On January 8, 2023, the seats of power in Brasilia were shaken by an uprising a week after Lula defeated right-wing incumbent president Jair Bolsonaro in elections.

Angered by his defeat, thousands of Bolsonaro supporters stormed government buildings, causing extensive damage.

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