RIO DE JANEIRO — Two individuals have been arrested in connection with an alleged plan to attack Lady Gaga’s free concert on Copacabana Beach, Brazilian Civil Police confirmed. The suspects were reportedly plotting to use improvised explosives to disrupt the high-profile performance, which attracted over two million attendees.
Suspects Were Fans of the Singer, Say Police
According to authorities, the arrested individuals — an adult male taken into custody in Rio Grande do Sul and a teenager apprehended in Rio de Janeiro — are both fans of the pop star. Investigators allege they were planning to use Molotov cocktails and other improvised devices, though no explosives were recovered during the operation.
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Ties to Online Hate Group Revealed
Police report that the suspects were active members of an online group that spreads hate speech and promotes violence. The group is accused of trying to recruit teenagers and encouraging attacks to gain social media attention. One of the suspects also faces charges related to possession of child pornography, authorities said.
Operation Fake Monsters Uncovers Broader Network
The arrests were part of Operation Fake Monsters, a coordinated effort by the Brazilian Justice Ministry, Federal Police, and cyber intelligence units. Search warrants were carried out across several cities, including Rio de Janeiro, Niterói, Duque de Caxias, and Macaé.
In a statement, the Civil Police said:
“Those involved in virtually recruiting participants to carry out attacks using improvised explosives were identified — the plan aimed to gain notoriety on social media.”
Lady Gaga’s Team Responds to Reports After the Fact
Lady Gaga’s team issued a statement saying they only learned of the threat through media reports on Sunday morning.
“We learned about this alleged threat via media reports this morning,” the statement read. “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. Her team worked closely with law enforcement throughout the planning and execution of the concert and all parties were confident in the safety measures in place.”
Concert Continues Without Incident
Despite the alleged plot, the performance went ahead on Saturday night without disruption. The free concert marked a historic moment for Rio, drawing millions to the iconic Copacabana beachfront. Thanks to preemptive law enforcement action, a potential tragedy was successfully averted.