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A planned terror attack targeting Lady Gaga’s concert at Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, was narrowly prevented last weekend. The concert, held on Saturday, May 3, attracted around 2.5 million fans, including many children and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Authorities arrested Luis da Silva, a Brazilian native recently deported from the US, and a 17-year-old accomplice after uncovering their plot to carry out a horrific attack involving Molotov cocktails and explosive backpacks. Police revealed the pair aimed to kill children during the show and perform a so-called “Satanist ritual,” labeling Gaga a Satanist.
The duo allegedly used the Discord platform to radicalize teenagers, promoting violent beliefs as well as pedophilia, misogyny, and LGBTphobia through social media. Da Silva was arrested on charges of illegal gun possession; his teenage accomplice remains in custody on child pornography charges.
Brazilian officials praised the swift police action that saved “hundreds” of lives, but public outrage followed Da Silva’s release on bail shortly after his arrest.