The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro, alongside the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, successfully intercepted a terrorist plot aimed at disrupting the large-scale concert of pop star Lady Gaga in Brazil. Brazilian media sources reported that authorities managed to identify and halt a bombing plan at the concert, which took place Saturday night on the famous Copacabana Beach.
An investigation unveiled that the perpetrators were part of a group inciting a "collective challenge" on social media, urging attacks using improvised explosive devices in backpacks and Molotov cocktails during Lady Gaga's performance in Rio. The group was known for spreading hate speech online and had recruited teenagers to execute an assault on children, teenagers, and the LGBTQIA+ community attending the event.
Authorities detained a man, recognized as the leader, for illegal firearm possession in Rio Grande do Sul, and apprehended a teenager in Rio. Another suspect in Macaé is under investigation for threatening a child with death and is facing charges of terrorism and incitement to crime. The 16-year-old confessed to police about posting hateful messages on social platforms but denied direct involvement in the threats concerning the event.
The operation, dubbed Fake Monster, discovered the group operating on digital platforms like Discord, where they disseminated content tied to hate crimes, self-harm, pedophilia, and extreme violence. This crackdown followed a report from the Cyberlab, the cyber intelligence unit of the Ministry of Justice, after a tip-off from the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro's Subsecretariat of Intelligence. Law enforcement conducted searches in numerous residences, seizing computers and other electronic devices linked to the suspects.
Lady Gaga performed on Saturday to a record-breaking crowd, estimated at 2.5 million attendees, at the free concert on Copacabana Beach. "Seeing the crowd during my opening songs took my breath away. Your hearts shine so brightly, your culture is so vibrant and special, and I hope you know how grateful I am to have shared this historical moment with you. It's estimated that 2.5 million people came to see me sing, marking the largest audience for a female artist in history. I wish I could share this feeling with everyone," she shared on Instagram.
According to Lady Gaga's representatives, this event marked the largest audience ever gathered for a female artist, surpassing the 1.6 million people Madonna attracted in the same venue last year.
Key Details on the Prevented Terror Attack at Lady Gaga's Concert
How were the authorities alerted about the terrorist plot?
The plot was discovered following a report from the Cyberlab, a cyber intelligence unit within the Ministry of Justice, prompted by an alert from the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro's Subsecretariat of Intelligence.
What were the main charges against the suspects?
The suspects face charges including illegal firearm possession, terrorism, and incitement to crime, particularly for plotting attacks on children, teenagers, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
How did Lady Gaga react to the record-breaking crowd at her concert?
Lady Gaga expressed her awe and gratitude on Instagram, describing the experience as breathtaking and highlighting the vibrant culture and spirit of the crowd.