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A SUSPECT linked to a foiled attack at Lady Gaga’s massive concert in Brazil allegedly planned to carry out a “satanist ritual” during the event.
According to Brazilian authorities, an individual is suspected of orchestrating a terrifying ceremony at the concert, which could have included “the sacrifice of a child or baby”.
The unnamed individual has been charged with terrorism offences.
It follows the separate arrest of two people on suspicion of planning an attack at the concert in Rio de Janeiro last weekend.
The duo mainly wanted to target the LGBT community, police have said.
The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro say the pair had tried to “recruit” people, including teens, for planned attacks at the concert.
The police further reported that “the suspects were gathering participants, some of whom were underage, to execute coordinated assaults using homemade explosives and Molotov cocktails.”
Around 2.1 million people attended the free concert at Copacabana beach, which was Lady Gaga’s first show in the country since 2012.
Lady Gaga is a well known ally of the LGBT community, having previously said she would ” take a bullet” for them at a New York concert.
The suspects are part of an online hate group that worked to radicalise young people, according to cops.
Police added that they also promoted “the dissemination of hate crimes, self-harm, pedophilia and violent content”.
Brazil’s justice ministry said the suspects had posed as “Little Monsters” – members of Lady Gaga’s fanbase – in their push to recruit people online.
Police named their mission to foil the planned attacks “Operation Fake Monster”.
They raided nine addresses in Brazilian cities including Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
The suspect who allegedly planned on killing a child or a baby during the concert was among those searched.
Cops say he claimed that Lady Gaga is a satanist and wanted to “respond in the same way”.
The alleged leader of the group was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm in Rio Grande do Sul.
A teenager was also arrested for possession of child pornography in Rio.
Lady Gaga speaks out
Lady Gaga thanked her fans who showed up to the record-breaking concert in a post on Instagram:
“Nothing could prepare me for the feeling I had during last night’s show—the absolute pride and joy I felt singing for the people of Brazil.
“The view of the audience as I started my performance was absolutely breathtaking. Your spirit is incredibly radiant, and your culture is uniquely vibrant and special. I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to have experienced this significant moment with you.”
“An estimated 2.5 million people came to see me sing, the biggest crowd for any woman in history. I wish I could share this feeling with the whole world—I know I can’t, but I can say this—if you lose your way, you can find your way back if you believe in yourself and work hard.
“You can give yourself dignity by rehearsing your passion and your craft, pushing yourself to new heights— you can lift yourself up even if it takes some time.
“Thank you Rio for waiting for me to come back. Thank you little monsters all over the world. I love you.
“I will never forget this moment. Paws up little monsters. Obrigada. Love, Mother Monster.”
A Lady Gaga spokesperson told CNN on Sunday there were “no known safety concerns” ahead of the mammoth concert.
They said: “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.”
Cops said they carried out their operation to foil the attack “with discretion and precision” to avoid panic.
The Copacabana beach concert is believed to be the largest show of Lady Gaga’s career to date.
The free event was paid for by the host city in a drive to boost the economy.
As many as 500,000 tourists are reported to have travelled to see the pop icon’s performance.
