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The United States suspended consular services at its embassy and consulates in Brazil on Friday over undisclosed security concerns. Australia subsequently closed its embassy in Brasilia, Brazil’s capital, two days before the presidential election.
The US State Department did not say what prompted the security concerns or directly link them to Sunday’s vote. It said it was working with Brazilian authorities but did not provide a date for when consular services would resume.
Police investigate threat claims
On Friday, Brazil’s Federal Police searched locations in Sao Paulo and near Brasilia as part of an investigation into alleged threats against US diplomatic missions.
Police said they had so far found no concrete evidence of a threat and had not identified suspects linked to criminal organizations.
Australia’s ambassador to Brazil, Sophie Davis, said the Australian embassy in Brazil was also closed on Friday because of security concerns, citing a US warning. She advised Australians to stay away from US diplomatic missions in Brazil. Brazil’s Foreign Ministry declined to comment.
Tensions ahead of election
The US announcement came ahead of Brazil’s presidential election on Sunday. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is seeking another term and is facing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
If no candidate receives more than 50% of valid votes, a runoff is scheduled for Oct. 25.
Reuters reports that relations between Washington and Brazil have become strained during the campaign. Lula and his allies have accused the administration of US President Donald Trump of trying to influence Brazilian politics, citing US tariffs and discussions about the integrity of the election.
The White House has rejected claims of election interference. According to Reuters, Trump has publicly expressed support for Flavio Bolsonaro but has not formally endorsed either candidate.
Edinho Silva, chair of Lula’s Workers’ Party, called the diplomatic missions’ closure an unprecedented move and accused Trump of trying to influence public opinion in Brazil.
According to Reuters, Brazilian intelligence officials have briefed their European counterparts about what they described as US and Russian interference in the election. Washington and Moscow have rejected the claims.
The closures have heightened security concerns during the election campaign. Reuters notes that violent crime is among the main issues worrying voters.
