Brazil police thwart bomb attack on Lady Gaga concert

Brazilian police stopped a bomb attack planned for Lady Gaga's concert. The concert was held on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday.

The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro, with the justice ministry, made the announcement. They said suspects recruited participants to use improvised explosives. The attackers aimed to gain notoriety on social media.

Police arrested the mastermind behind the plan and a teenager. Lady Gaga's team learned about the threat from media reports after the concert. Over two million people attended the free event.

Authorities reported that the group spread hate speech against children, adolescents, and the LGBTQ+ community. The alleged mastermind was arrested for illegal firearm possession in Rio Grande do Sul. The teenager was detained for storing child pornography in Rio.

Those involved promoted radicalization among teenagers, including self-harm and violence. A spokesperson for Lady Gaga stated they were unaware of any threats before or during the show.

They received no communication from police regarding potential risks. More than two million fans attended Lady Gaga's biggest concert in Rio.

The justice ministry noted that suspects identified as "Little Monsters," Lady Gaga fans. Police executed search warrants across multiple states, seizing electronic devices and materials.

"Operation Fake Monster" began after a tip-off from police intelligence. This operation uncovered online groups encouraging violence among teens using coded language.

The concert aimed to revitalize Rio's economy, potentially bringing in $100 million (£75 million). A massive security operation deployed 5,000 officers at the event.

Attendees passed through metal detectors, while drones and facial recognition cameras monitored security. Lady Gaga last performed in Brazil in 2012 during her tour for her eighth album, Mayhem.

She wore Brazil-themed costumes inspired by the national football team during her performance. "You waited more than 10 years for me," she told the crowd while holding a Brazilian flag.