Brazilian authorities announced they had thwarted a bombing attempt targeting concert of Lady Gaga at Copacabana Beach on Saturday evening.
Rio de Janeiro state’s Civil Police in co-operation with the ministry of justice reported the suspects had already recruited would-be participants for bombings using home-made explosives and wanted to attract a following on the internet.
A teenager and the individual behind the plan were arrested, police reported on X. The concert was attended by a crowd of over two million people, and it was free.
Police reported that the group behind the attack had been propagating hate speech, primarily against children, adolescents and the LGBTQ+ community.
Arrests and Radical Online Activity Around
The supposed mastermind was taken into custody on a charge of unauthorized possession of a firearm in Rio Grande do Sul, the southern state. The teenager was arrested for storing child pornography in Rio.
The responsible parties were also spreading radicalization among teens. This included promoting self-harm and violent content “as a means of belonging and challenge among youngsters.”
The ministry of justice stated the suspects presented themselves as Lady Gaga fans, colloquially referred to as “Little Monsters.”
Security Operations and Tribute to Brazil by Lady Gaga
Police made search warrants in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Mato Grosso, Rio Grande do Sul, and Sao Paulo. Electronic equipment and other materials were confiscated.
“Operation Fake Monster” was initiated after a tip-off from Rio state police intelligence. This revealed online communities inciting teenagers to violence in coded messages and extremist symbolism.
The concert was funded by the city in an effort to kick-start Rio’s economy. The city hoped it might generate \$100m (£75m).
In a massive security operation, 5,000 officers were deployed and attendees had to pass through metal detectors. Drones and facial recognition cameras were also used to police the event.
Lady Gaga, who last performed in Brazil in 2012, took the stage as part of a tour to promote her eighth album, Mayhem.
The singer wore Brazil-themed costumes for some of her acts, with outfits inspired by the national football team.
“You waited for more than 10 years for me,” an emotional Lady Gaga told the huge crowd, holding out a Brazilian flag.
