The United States suspended consular services across Brazil and Australia temporarily closed its embassy in Brasilia two days before the presidential vote, citing unspecified security concerns. Brazilian federal police carried out preventive raids in São Paulo and the Federal District, seizing communications equipment but reporting no evidence to corroborate the initial threat. The closures come ahead of a contest between incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro; a runoff is scheduled for October 25 if no candidate wins an absolute majority. Lula’s camp accused the US of interference while President Donald Trump has publicly praised Flávio Bolsonaro.
US Suspends Consular Services and Australia Closes Embassy in Brazil Ahead of Tense Presidential Vote
The US embassy in Brasilia, the Brazilian capital [File: Andressa Anholete/Getty Images]
The United States has suspended consular services across Brazil and Australia has temporarily closed its embassy in Brasilia, both moves announced two days before the country’s presidential election. The US embassy said consular services would be suspended beginning Friday and advised American citizens not to visit its embassy, consulates or other diplomatic facilities, citing security concerns but offering no further detail.
What Authorities Say
Brazilian federal police said they executed preventive search-and-seizure warrants in São Paulo and in the Federal District — the administrative region surrounding Brasilia — as part of an inquiry into suspected plans that could threaten US diplomatic facilities. Authorities reported the seizure of communications equipment but said investigators had found no evidence to corroborate the initially reported threat and had not identified any suspects linked to criminal organisations.
Police added the operation followed cooperation with foreign intelligence agencies and that the investigation remains under way. The US State Department said it was coordinating closely with Brazilian counterparts and noted that embassies and consulates routinely issue alerts about local threats and developments.
Political Context And Reactions
Australia’s ambassador to Brazil, Sophie Davies, said on social media that the Australian embassy would close on Friday, citing the US alert, and advised Australians to avoid US diplomatic sites.
Edinho Silva, president of Lula’s Workers’ Party: “It makes no sense at all. It’s one of Trump’s ways of trying to influence Brazilian public opinion.”
The diplomatic closures come two days before a closely watched presidential vote between incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who is seeking re-election, and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is reported to be serving a 27-year sentence for attempting a coup. If no candidate secures more than 50 percent of the vote on Sunday, a runoff is scheduled for October 25.
Lula’s allies have pointed to recent US tariffs and Washington’s initiative to send officials to Brazil to “discuss electoral integrity” as signs of foreign interference. US President Donald Trump has publicly praised Flávio Bolsonaro, saying he is “watching that election very closely.” Authorities urged the public to follow official updates as the investigation continues.
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