Photo: Getty Images
A migrant recently deported from the United States was identified as the suspected terrorist who planned to kill Lady Gaga fans at the pop superstar's record-breaking concert in Brazil.
Luis da Silva, 44, reportedly wanted to livestream the murder of children and set off bombs close to the stage during Gaga's free concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, which was attended by 2.5 million people, on Saturday (May 3) night, investigators confirmed via the New York Post.
“He said that the singer was a Satanist and that he was going to perform a Satanist ritual too, killing a child during the show,” said Felipe Curi, a spokesperson for the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police Department.
Police said they arrested the suspect responsible for the plan and a teenager on Saturday via the BBC. The group that planned the attack was reported to have been motivated to spread hate speech, mainly targeting children and the LGBTQ+ community and recruited participants, mostly minors, to carry out coordinated attacks using improvised explosives and Molotov cocktails.
A spokesperson for Lady Gaga told the Hollywood Reporter that her camp learned of the bomb threat following media reports on Sunday (May 4).
"We learned about this alleged threat via media reports this morning," the spokesperson said in a statement. "Prior to and during the show, there were no known safety concerns, nor any communication from the police or authorities to Lady Gaga regarding any potential risks. Her team worked closely with law enforcement throughout the planning and execution of the concert and all parties were confident in the safety measures in place.”