Brazilian authorities say they thwarted a planned bomb attack targeting Lady Gaga\u2019s concert in Rio de Janeiro, which drew an estimated 2.5 million people and has been described as the largest concert ever performed by a female artist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a joint statement on Sunday, Brazil\u2019s Civil Police and federal agencies said they disrupted an online group allegedly plotting to carry out violent attacks during the event. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to officials, the group responsible promoted hate speech and had devised a plan involving Molotov cocktails and improvised explosive devices, with specific threats directed at children, LGBTQIA+ people, and concert attendees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The police operation, codenamed \u201cFake Monster,\u201d was led by the Child and Adolescent Victims Police Station (DCAV), the Cybercrime Repression Police Station (DRCI), and other units, with support from Brazil\u2019s Cyber Operations Laboratory and police departments across multiple states. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Authorities said the group had attempted to recruit minors and framed the planned attacks as part of a so-called \u201ccollective challenge\u201d aimed at gaining attention on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As part of the operation, police executed 15 search and seizure warrants in locations across five Brazilian states, including Rio de Janeiro, S\u00e3o Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul, and Mato Grosso. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A man identified as the group\u2019s alleged leader was arrested in Rio Grande do Sul for illegal possession of a firearm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Officials said that the operation was carried out discreetly to avoid alarming the public. Police said the plot was disrupted before it could pose any danger to the event, and the concert proceeded without incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n