Authorities in Brazil have foiled a violent terror plot targeting LGBTQ+ individuals at Lady Gaga’s free concert on Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, which drew over 2.1 million fans.
According to CNN, Brazilian police arrested two suspects who allegedly planned to use improvised explosives and Molotov cocktails during the concert. A third suspect has been charged with terrorism and conspiracy to commit a satanic ritual involving a child, authorities said.
The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro revealed that the suspects were part of a radical online hate group promoting violence, self-harm, pedophilia, and extremism, and aimed to recruit teenagers for coordinated attacks. The group’s motive was reportedly to gain notoriety on social media by attacking LGBTQ+ concertgoers—an audience Lady Gaga has long championed.
“People filled with hatred and ignorance should be learning from the queer community about love, grace, and kindness,” Gaga once said at a World Pride event, underscoring her advocacy.
The attackers disguised themselves as “Little Monsters”, a nickname for Gaga fans, to blend in and radicalize others. In response, police launched “Operation Fake Monster”, leading to arrests and searches across nine locations in Brazil, including seizures of illegal firearms and child pornography.
Maria Luiza Machado, a police officer involved in the investigation, stated that one suspect admitted plans to kill a baby as a form of satanic retaliation, believing Lady Gaga to be a “satanist.”
The U.S. Consulate collaborated with Brazilian authorities on the investigation, sharing intelligence on potential threats. Despite the gravity of the situation, Lady Gaga’s team reported no known safety concerns at the time.
A spokesperson told CNN: “Her team worked closely with law enforcement… all parties were confident in the safety measures in place.”
The successful operation not only prevented a potential tragedy but also highlighted the growing danger of radicalization via online hate groups targeting vulnerable communities and public events.