Rio De Janeiro, Brazil – Authorities in Brazil have arrested multiple individuals suspected of plotting a coordinated attack during American singer Lady Gaga’s free concert at Copacabana Beach, attended by more than two million people on Saturday.

According to the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro, two suspects were detained for allegedly attempting to recruit individuals, including minors, to carry out acts of violence at the concert using improvised explosive devices and Molotov cocktails. A third individual was also arrested on charges of terrorism, with police stating he had planned a separate act involving a ritualistic killing.

The suspects are reported to have been part of an online network promoting violent content and criminal ideologies. Law enforcement authorities conducted searches at nine locations across Brazil and issued 15 search and seizure warrants. One of the arrested individuals was reportedly in possession of illegal firearms, while a minor associated with the group was apprehended on unrelated criminal charges.

Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security confirmed that the group had posed as fans of the singer in an attempt to gain trust and recruit others online. The police operation was codenamed ‘Operation Fake Monster’ in reference to the singer’s fan base.

The Rio concert marked Lady Gaga’s return to Brazil after more than a decade and formed part of her global promotional tour for her new album ‘Mayhem’. Despite the foiled plot, the performance proceeded without incident under tight security, including the deployment of over 5,000 officers, metal detectors, surveillance drones, and facial recognition systems.

City officials estimate that the concert generated around $100 million for the local economy. The large-scale event follows a similar free concert by Madonna held at the same venue in 2024.

Lady Gaga expressed her gratitude to fans, stating, “Brazil, I’m ready. I’m going to give it my all,” before concluding her performance with the hit ‘Bad Romance’.