This could’ve ended way differently.
Over the weekend, Lady Gaga played a free show on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, and about 2.1 million people showed up. But behind the scenes, police say two people were plotting to carry out an attack at the concert — allegedly trying to recruit teens to bring Molotov cocktails and homemade explosives, specifically targeting LGBTQ+ concertgoers.
The suspects had reportedly been posing as fans online and were part of an extremist hate group that pushes disturbing content — everything from violent crimes to self-harm to child exploitation. One adult was arrested for having an illegal gun, and a teen connected to the plot was also arrested for possessing child pornography.
Thankfully, none of this came to pass, and the concert went off without incident. Gaga hasn’t commented publicly yet — and honestly, let’s hope she doesn’t have to. The whole thing is horrifying, but it’s also a reminder that vigilance behind the scenes is a big part of why events this size can happen safely.
