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The US and Australia closed diplomatic services in Brazil two days before a presidential election, while Brazilian police executed search warrants over suspected threats to US facilities.
RIO DE JANEIRO - U.S. consular services and the Australian embassy in Brazil closed Friday citing security concerns, two days before the country's presidential election, authorities from both countries said.
Brazil Police Search Diplomatic Sites
Also on Friday, Brazil's federal police said they executed search and seizure warrants in Sao Paulo and the Federal District as part of an investigation into suspected plans that could threaten U.S. diplomatic facilities in Brazil. Police described the operation as preventive and said it resulted from ongoing cooperation with foreign intelligence agencies. Investigators found no evidence to corroborate the initial reported risks, nor had they identified any suspects as being involved in criminal organizations.
An investigation is ongoing following the seizure of communication equipment, police said. In a statement dated Thursday, the U.S. Embassy issued a security alert saying it would be suspending consular services at the embassy and consulates starting Friday. The alert advised U.S. citizens seeking assistance not to visit the embassy, consulates or other diplomatic facilities, and instead contact the appropriate duty officer.
The Australian Embassy in Brasilia also said it was closing on Friday, citing the U.S. alert and advising Australians to avoid U.S. diplomatic facilities. Asked Friday by The Associated Press about the suspension of consular services in Brazil, the U.S. State Department said it was working closely with its Brazilian counterparts to address security concerns. U.S. embassies and consulates routinely issue alerts notifying U.S. citizens of threats, events, and changes happening locally, the department said.
Brazil Presidential Election Security Alert
Brazilians will vote on Sunday in a high-stakes presidential election. The front-runners are incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro who is serving a 27-year sentence for attempting a coup. If neither wins more than 50 per cent of the vote, a runoff vote will take place on Oct. 25.
Asked at the White House whether he would be supporting Bolsonaro in the election, U.S. President Donald Trump said: "Well, we're looking at that whole thing, and we're watching that election very closely.
" Bolsonaro is a Trump ally. Security personnel stand outside the U.S. Embassy after consular services were suspended due to security concerns in Brasilia, Brazil, Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, according to an Associated Press photograph. A photo from the scene shows security personnel standing outside the U.S. Embassy in Brasilia after consular services were suspended. The image was taken on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, by AP photographer Eraldo Peres.
Matthew Lee and Collin Binkley contributed to this report from Washington. Eleónore Hughes, The Associated Press
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CTVNews:U.S. and Australia suspend consular services in Brazil ahead of election citing security concernsThis story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
US Consular Services Brazil Brazil Presidential Election Australian Embassy Brasilia Brazil Federal Police Security Alert
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