U.S. temporarily suspends consular services in Brazil ahead of presidential vote
U.S. diplomats halted consular operations in Brasilia amid reports of a possible bomb threat two days before the presidential election.
The United States temporarily suspended consular services in Brazil on Tuesday, citing security concerns just two days before the country's presidential vote, U.S. diplomats announced.
The U.S. Embassy in Brasilia asked American citizens to avoid visiting embassy and consular facilities — "even in emergencies" — and to seek assistance instead by electronic means or by phone. The embassy did not specify how long the suspension would last or give a detailed explanation for the decision.
Possible bomb threat, unclear target
An unnamed U.S. government source, quoted by Brazilian broadcaster TV Globo, indicated there had been a possible bomb threat. It remained unclear whether the reported threat was directed at the U.S. Embassy itself or at another site in Brasilia.
Australia's embassy in Brasilia also closed on security grounds after referring to the U.S. warning; Canberra advised its citizens to avoid the U.S. Embassy, consulates and nearby areas. Local reporting by G1 said Brazilian police increased security measures around the American embassy but, so far, found no concrete indications of an imminent threat.
Brazil's presidential election is scheduled for tomorrow. The state news agency Agência Brasil reported that, ahead of voting, the Brazilian intelligence agency Abin warned of a risk of U.S. interference and of heightened external pressure on Brazil. Recent polls show incumbent left-wing president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and right-wing senator Flávio Bolsonaro — son of former president Jair Bolsonaro — running in a close race, with a second-round runoff considered likely.
Photo: press material from the event
