2016 Olympic Games

Brazil Considers Additional Security Measures in Wake of Nice Attacks

Brazil Considers Additional Security Measures in Wake of Nice Attacks

In the wake of last night's attack in Nice, France, that left 85 dead and more than 65 people wounded, the Brazilian government is considering additional se

Jul 15, 2016
Brazil Considers Additional Security Measures in Wake of Nice Attacks
In the wake of last night's attack in Nice, France, that left 85 dead and more than 65 people wounded, the Brazilian government is considering additional security measures for the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

With the world on high alert, additional security could mean stationing more police and increasing security checkpoints in the host city, which would affect the athletes and spectators attending the Games. 

The announcement was made Friday morning by Brazil Defense Minister Raul Jungmann on CBN Radio. He said in addition to checkpoints, there's a possibility that other measures will be taken, but did not elaborate. 

"The attack in Nice is worrisome for us, too. We have learned a few lessons. We will review procedures, make more barriers, searches and apply much tighter security," Jungmann said.

Brazil's top military advisor Sergio Etchegoyen said there will be a meeting later today in the capital of Brasilia with security personnel to see if there are any gaps in security that weren't considered high-priority to prevent such an attack in Brazil.

Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes told TV Globo that security would be increased to protect Olympic delegations that the targets of recent attacks. "The Olympics is a super event, but we have warned the people that there will be contingencies."

There are also concerns from many top foreign leaders who have been slow to commit to attending the opening ceremony due to the current political turmoil in Brazil. With the Games just a few weeks away, it's likely the initially reported list of 100 heads of state will be altered before the opening ceremonies.