Brazil probing possible bomb placed outside Supreme Court

Police in Brazil are investigating a possible bomb threat placed in a backpack outside the Supreme Court in Brasilia. The incident occurred on the eve of presidential elections, which are scheduled to take place on Sunday. The suspect, who was apprehended, attempted to breach the court's perimeter before throwing the backpack onto a bus stop.

To ensure public safety, authorities have restricted access to the area and deployed a bomb squad to examine the suspicious object. The tense political climate in Brazil has been heightened by the close race between incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his right-wing rival, Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

The Supreme Court has faced criticism from the political right, particularly for its 2025 conviction of Jair Bolsonaro for attempting a coup. Additionally, the court has been embroiled in a major fraud scandal that has dominated the final weeks of the election campaign. Tragedy struck in November 2024 when a man died during a suicide bombing outside the tribunal.

In January 2023, Jair Bolsonaro's supporters staged a riot at the court, which the Supreme Court deemed an attempted coup against Lula's presidential victory over his father.