Brazilian police foil bomb attack at Lady Gaga concert

by Mick the Ram

Brazilian police intercepted a bomb attack planned for Lady Gaga’s concert on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro at the weekend.

The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro state, in co-ordination with the justice ministry, said suspects had recruited minors to carry out coordinated attacks using improvised explosives and Molotov’s and the plan was aimed at gaining notoriety on social media. 

The police operation was based on a report by the ministry’s cyberoperations lab following a tip-off from Rio state intelligence, which uncovered digital cells encouraging violent behaviour among teenagers using coded language and extremist symbolism. 

The person responsible for the plan was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, and a teenager was detained for storing child pornography in Rio. 

Police said the group that planned the attack had been spreading hate speech, mainly against children, adolescents and the LGBTQ+ community.

A crowd of more than two million people gathered for the concert, which was free to attend.

Gesture by the city

This was the pop star’s biggest ever concert and it was paid for by the city in an attempt to revitalise Rio’s economy, with reported expectations suggesting that it could bring in more than $100m.

It brought about a massive security operation with over 5,000 officers deployed and all those attending were required to pass through metal detectors, with drones and facial recognition cameras also in use.

Suspects aiming to radicalise

Those behind the threat spread “hate speech” and were promoting the radicalisation of teenagers, including self-harm on digital platforms, as well as violent content as mechanisms to develop social belonging among young people. 

The justice ministry said the suspects had identified themselves as Lady Gaga fans, known widely as “Little Monsters”.

The concert, a historic event for the American pop icon, proceeded without incident, according to Rio City Hall.

Operation “Fake Monster”

Police issued search warrants across the states of Rio de Janeiro, Mato Grosso, Rio Grande do Sul and Sao Paulo, and electronic devices and other materials were seized.

Rio police said it had arrested an adult who was “responsible for the plot” as well as a teenager in the operation codenamed “Fake Monster” which is a reference to the US pop diva’s pet name for her fans.

Her team said afterwards: “We learned about this alleged threat via media reports this morning. Prior to and during the show, there were no known safety concerns, nor any communication from the police or authorities to Lady Gaga regarding any potential risks.”

Dressed in Brazilian colours

Lady Gaga last performed in Brazil back in 2012 and took the stage as part of a tour promoting her eighth album, Mayhem.

Some fans began queuing early in the morning and waited in long lines to gain access to the beach. 

Thousands sang along with her best known hits including Alejandro, Poker Face and Abracadabra, creating an electric atmosphere.

She switched between an array of costumes, including a dress with the colours of the Brazilian flag. “You waited for more than 10 years for me… Brazil, I’m ready. I’m going to give it my all” an emotional Lady Gaga told the huge crowd

Fan tribute from star

Following her performance the singer – who partnered Bruno Mars at this year’s Grammy’s in a dedication track to the first responders who tackled the dreadful California wildfires – paid tribute to her fans in a post on Instagram. 

“Nothing could prepare me for the absolute pride and joy I felt singing for the people of Brazil. The sight of the crowd during my opening songs took my breath away; your heart shines so bright, your culture is so vibrant and special.

“I hope you know how grateful I am to have shared this historical moment with you.” She did not mention the alleged bombing threat.

Lady Gaga is of course not the first superstar to play a free concert on the famous Copacabana beach, as just last year Madonna gave a similar concert also paid for by the city.