Man with Explosive Device, Knife Arrested during Brazil's Lula Inauguration

Authorities arrested a man carrying an explosive device and a knife while attempting to enter the inauguration of Brazil's new president on Sunday.

The man was trying to enter Brasilia's esplanade for the inauguration of President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a spokesperson from the city's military police force revealed.

Around 300,000 people gathered to celebrate following the ceremony in Brazil's Congress.

Veteran left-wing politician Lula was sworn in the Brazilian capital, with police on heightened alert due to significant political tensions in the country.

The 77-year-old politician assumed office for the third time after beating right-wing outgoing president Jair Bolsonaro in last October's election.

Earlier, media outlets highlighted that Bolsonaro left the country and landed in Florida, avoiding Lula’s inauguration. 

The press office of Bolsonaro’s vice president, Hamilton Mourão, affirmed that he was acting as president. Handing over power to the vice president happens whenever Brazil’s president travels abroad.