Brazil Bomb Threat: Police Arrest Man Who Tried To Detonate Explosives, 'Create Chaos' in Lula's Inauguration

A man suspected of trying to "sow chaos" by making a Brazil bomb threat before the inauguration of Lula presidency on January 1 has been arrested.

According to BBC, the bomb, which the man allegedly planted in a fuel truck near Brasilia's airport, did not detonate.

The suspect told police that he and other Bolsonaro supporters had planned the attack.

The police are making attempts to identify and apprehend any potential accomplices he may have.

The suspect, 54, told police he came to Brasilia on November 12 to demonstrate in front of the army's headquarters.

There have been protests there for weeks by Bolsonaro supporters who want the government to stop the incoming president, Lula, from taking office.

Even though there is no proof, these staunch defenders of the far-right president insist that Lula's narrow victory over Bolsonaro in the presidential election was cheated.

Bolsonaro cast doubt on Brazil's electronic voting system in the months leading up to the election, which led his supporters to doubt the final tally.

Although Brazil's electoral court has already ruled that his claims lack merit and rejected his party's challenge to the election result, many of his supporters continue to believe that the presidential race was "stolen" from him.

Man Behind Brazil Bomb Threat Is Well-Equipped

George Washington de Oliveira Sousa, a gas station manager, was arrested Saturday, one week before the inauguration of Lula presidency, Police Chief Robson Cândido announced at a press conference.

An explosive device was discovered by a truck driver in a fuel tanker near the airport and was promptly confiscated by authorities.

The suspect's rented apartment in Brasilia contained a rifle, two shotguns, revolvers, over a thousand rounds of ammunition, and five explosive devices, police said.

The police chief stated that the incident has never existed in Brasilia in the past, and they will not allow such strikes that may hurt other people and public property.

According to the suspect's statement to the police, which CNN obtained, his goals were "to prevent the establishment of communism in Brazil" and "provoke an intervention of the armed forces."

According to his statement, Sousa spent more than $30,000 on guns and ammunition because he was "inspired" by President Bolsonaro.

Police have confirmed in a statement to CNN that the suspect had criminal intentions at the airport and that additional searches are currently being conducted.

The police also reported that they had not made any further arrests, and the campsite in front of the Army headquarters is still there.

Authorities Say They Will Boost Security for the Inauguration of Lula's Presidency Following Brazil Bomb Threat

After the arrest of a man for an alleged Brazil bomb threat, the country's next justice minister said security would need to be stepped up for the upcoming Lula presidency inauguration.

During a television interview on Monday, incoming Justice Minister Flavio Dino said that the incoming government would not "allow political terrorism in Brazil," adding that the suspect is not alone.

"There are powerful people behind this, and the police will investigate," Dino stated.

Dino said the inauguration of Lula presidency on Sunday will take place "in peace," writing on Twitter: "Democracy has won and will win."

Wallison dos Reis Pereira, Sousa's first lawyer, testified that his client had confessed and was helping the police, per Al Jazeera.

Sousa confessed to police that he had made a bomb threat, but his current attorney, Jorge Chediak, claims that the statement is full of inconsistencies. There has been no contact between Chediak and Sousa, who is currently incarcerated.

READ MORE: Brazil President Lula da Silva Names 16 New Ministers

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: O momento da prisão do terrorista George Washington, que pretendia detonar uma bomba em Brasília - From DCM TV