Brazil's vice president condemns explosions as tragic, serious attack

Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, speaking from Baku, Azerbaijan, where he is attending the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), described the explosions at Three Powers Square in Brasília on Wednesday night (Nov. 13) as serious incidents that must be investigated with utmost rigor.

“Sad and serious. Sad because of the loss of life, and serious because it is an attack on an institution of the country, on a branch of the government, which must be investigated with utmost speed and rigor. And I believe that is exactly what the security agencies will do,” he said.

Alckmin referred to the explosions as an isolated incident, not indicative of a broader threat like the January 8, 2023 attacks. “We are continuously working to reduce violence and prevent these outrageous acts that threaten peace, democracy, and security. Our institutions are strong, and the investigation will be thorough,” he emphasized.

The vice president also dismissed concerns that the incident in Brasília could pose any threat to the upcoming G20 summit, which begins this Friday (15) in Rio de Janeiro with the G20 Social program. “I don’t foresee any issues; everything is on track for Rio de Janeiro,” he concluded.

Two explosions occurred at the beginning of last night at Three Powers Square, near the Supreme Court, which was then evacuated. The Federal District Military Fire Brigade confirmed one fatality.

The car found at the explosion site has been identified as belonging to Francisco Wanderley Luiz, known as Tiu França, from Rio do Sul, Santa Catarina state. Luiz's body was found in front of the Supreme Court building.

*The reporter traveled at the invitation of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).