Brazilian police have thwarted a bomb attack planned for Lady Gaga's biggest-ever concert that drew over 2 million people to Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday.
The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro state, working in coordination with the Justice Ministry, said the plot was linked to a group that promotes hate speech and radicalizing teenagers.
The group reportedly encourages self-harm and violent content as a form of social belonging.
"The suspects were recruiting participants, including minors, to carry out coordinated attacks using improvised explosives and Molotov cocktails," the police said in a statement.
Bomb plot targeting Lady Gaga's biggest-ever show foiled by policeGetty
Fireworks are seen at the end of Lady Gaga's open concert, in Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro
Reuters
According to the Rio city hall, 2.1 million people attended the concert of the American pop icon, to which tickets were free.
The group identified themselves as members of Gaga's global fan base, known as the "Little Monsters", Brazil's Justice Ministry said.
The police said they collaborated with the Justice Ministry, which uncovered the plan based on a report by the ministry's Cyber Operation Lab.
The lab followed up on a tip-off from Rio state police intelligence, which uncovered digital cells encouraging violent behaviour among teenagers.MORE LIKE THIS:
People gather to attend Lady Gaga's open concert
Reuters
Officers have reportedly arrested a man thought to be the group's leader in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul for illegal possession of a firearm.
A teenager in Rio de Janeiro has also been detained for storing child pornography.
The open concert kicked off as planned with no delays, beginning at around 9.45pm local time.
During the concert, Lady Gaga told the crowd: "Tonight, we're making history.. Thank you for making history with me."
Fans had begun queuing early in the morning to gain access to the beach ahead of the event
Reuters
The open concert kicked off as planned with no delays, beginning at around 9.45 p.m. local time
Reuters
Fans had begun queuing early in the morning to gain access to the beach ahead of the event.
A huge security presence was required, including 5,000 police officers.
Attendees also had to pass through metal detectors.
Drones and facial recognition cameras were used by authorities to help keep the event safe and secure.
