RIO DE JANEIRO — The United States and Australia suspended consular services in Brazil on Friday, citing security concerns just two days before the country’s high-stakes presidential election, officials from both nations confirmed.
Also Friday, Brazil’s Federal Police executed search and seizure warrants in São Paulo and the Federal District as part of an investigation into suspected plots targeting U.S. diplomatic facilities in the country. Authorities characterized the operation as preventive, noting it stemmed from ongoing cooperation with foreign intelligence agencies.
Investigators found no evidence substantiating the initial threat reports and had not identified any suspects linked to criminal organizations, according to a police statement. An investigation continues following the seizure of communications equipment.
In a security alert issued Thursday, the U.S. Embassy announced it would suspend consular services at its embassy and consulates beginning Friday. The advisory instructed U.S. citizens not to visit diplomatic facilities and to instead contact the appropriate duty officer for assistance.
The Australian Embassy in Brasília likewise closed its doors Friday, citing the U.S. alert and advising Australian nationals to avoid U.S. diplomatic installations.
Asked about the service suspensions, the U.S. State Department said it was coordinating closely with Brazilian counterparts to address the security situation. The department noted that embassies and consulates routinely issue alerts to inform U.S. citizens of local threats, events, and operational changes.
Brazilians head to the polls Sunday in a pivotal presidential contest. The leading candidates are incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and former President Jair Bolsonaro. Should neither candidate secure more than 50% of the vote, a runoff election will be held on October 25.
At the White House, President Donald Trump declined to endorse a candidate, stating the administration was monitoring the election closely. Bolsonaro is widely viewed as a political ally of Trump.
Matthew Lee and Collin Binkley contributed reporting from Washington.
