Two individuals have been arrested in connection with a conspiracy linked to a potential bombing at a free Lady Gaga concert in Rio de Janeiro.
The event, held on Saturday, was the largest show of the pop star’s career, drawing around 2.1 million attendees to Copacabana Beach, where the crowd danced and cheered.
“They indicated plans for an attack at a concert featuring Lady Gaga, who is often criticized for her sexual themes,” Rio Police Secretary Felipe Curie stated during a press conference on Sunday.
Rio Police Chief Louis Lima mentioned that the suspects had been propagating hate speech and inciting violence online.
Although the Brazilian authorities claimed they arrested one suspect just hours before Lady Gaga’s performance, the concert proceeded without any disruptions. This raised questions about the actual seriousness of the threat, particularly since major safety concerns often lead to event cancellations, as was the case with Taylor Swift’s concert in Vienna last year.
Police decided not to disclose details about the suspected conspiracy at the time, aiming to “prevent panic” and “avoid misinformation.”
A representative for Lady Gaga remarked that she and her team only learned of the threat via news reports that morning. They noted there had been no known safety issues before or after the concert, nor had there been any communication from police about possible risks.
The statement further clarified, “Her team had coordinated closely with law enforcement during the concert preparations, and everyone involved felt secure about the safety measures in place.”
The security presence was significant at Saturday’s event, with 5,200 military and police personnel deployed to ensure safety as fans reveled to classic hits, including “Born This Way,” which has become an anthem for the LGBTQ community since its release in 2011.
The arrested suspects are believed to be linked to the alleged conspiracy, with one identified as the group’s leader facing charges for illegal possession of weapons, while the other, a teenager from Rio, is accused of child sexual abuse. Police have not provided further details on their specific roles in the planned attack or how they intended to target the concert.
Authorities indicated that participants, including minors, had been recruited to execute a coordinated attack using improvised explosives and Molotov cocktails.
The Justice Department noted that the group posed “a heightened risk to public order.” They misrepresented themselves online as part of Lady Gaga’s fanbase to lure individuals into a network promoting violent and self-destructive content.
During raids on the homes of 15 suspects across various Brazilian states, police confiscated phones and other electronic devices. They suspect the homemade explosives seized were meant for the planned attacks but did not elaborate on specific targets involving weapons.
Curie mentioned that one suspect, whose residence was searched in nearby Makae, claimed his motives were religious, expressing some affiliation to Satanism.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Lady Gaga expressed her appreciation for the massive turnout.
“I was overwhelmed with emotions during last night’s show. It was pure pride and joy to perform for the people of Brazil,” she shared. “Seeing the crowd during my opening number took my breath away. Your spirit shines so brightly, and your culture is vibrant and unique. I’m truly grateful to have shared this historic moment with you.”
Her free beach concerts have become notable at a time when ticket prices for live music have skyrocketed globally, making it difficult for many to see their favorite artists.
Recently, Lady Gaga performed at the Coachella Valley Music Festival in California, where tickets exceeded $600 for a weekend. The steep prices for her upcoming shows in Australia have also drawn local criticism.
Last May, superstar Madonna captivated an audience of around 1.6 million at Copacabana Beach during her final World Tour show.
