Brazil has been shaken by alarming incidents recently, particularly surrounding its Supreme Court. A suicide bombing outside the court on November 14th marked one of the most severe attacks on the nation’s judicial institutions. Authorities confirmed the bombings occurred just moments after the court's daily session ended, compelling the evacuation of judges and court staff.
According to Justice Alexandre de Moraes, the explosions stem from growing far-right extremism and hate speech which have recently been targeting Brazil's institutions. Speaking at an event the day following the attack, Moraes noted, "It grew under the guise of a criminal use of freedom of speech. To offend, threaten, coerce." His statement reflects concerns over the increasing polarization and violence within the country’s political climate.
The man behind the assaults has been identified as Francisco Wanderley Luiz, aged 59, who was previously involved with the Liberal Party, the same political group as former President Jair Bolsonaro. On the day of the attack, Luiz first detonated explosives inside his car parked near Congress, but this explosion caused no injuries. He then proceeded to the Supreme Court’s premises where he attempted to breach security with more explosives.
According to security footage released by the court, Luiz approached the building's exterior holding explosives. After throwing one device and retreating, he ignited another, leading to his death from the subsequent blast. Interestingly, it was reported by Brasilia's Vice Governor, Celina Leao, who described preliminary details indicating this was potentially a suicide bombing.
Officials from the Federal Police are treating these explosions as acts of terrorism aimed at undermining Brazil's democratic foundations. Director Andrei Passos Rodrigues stated at the news conference, “The action, in fact, was an individual action, but the investigation will tell if there are other connections, if there are other networks, what's behind it, what drove it.” His remarks underline the police's determination to investigate any wider involvement or extremist networks connected to Luiz.
Security measures have intensified across Brazil, especially with the upcoming G20 summit scheduled later this week. World leaders, including US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, will converge on Brasilia. Authorities promise maximum safety protocols are being implemented to secure major venues.
While Bolsonaro denounced the attack via social media, calling for peaceful dialogue and debate over violence, his supporters have increasingly targeted Justice de Moraes, who has led extensive investigations related to misinformation and threats aimed at Supreme Court justices. These investigations may have contributed to the political climate leading to violent acts like Luiz’s bombing attempt.
The public’s response has been mixed, with many expressing fears over the potential for more incidents if the aggressive rhetoric continues. The Supreme Court has now received additional threats via email, signaling the growing unease and animosity surrounding political dissent and the far-right’s tactics.
With the G20 summit fast approaching, Brazil finds itself at a crossroads—balancing security against the backdrop of political tensions and public safety. Justice Morais's remarks about the necessity for accountability resonate with many hoping for stronger action against political violence.
