Brazilian police arrested 10 people suspected of planning an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack at the Rio Olympics next month, authorities said Thursday.
The group met online and are all Brazilian citizens, said Justice Minister Alexandre de Moraes. The group drew inspiration from ISIS and police did not reveal specific plots or targets, but are still investigating the suspects’ technology, CNN reports.
De Moraes said he did not think these were high-level assassins; rather, they seemed “absolutely amateur—with no preparation.” The group discussed a desire to “start training in martial arts [and] learning how to shoot,” de Moraes said, adding they also tried to buy a gun online, which is uncharacteristic of an organized terrorist cell.
The police are looking to arrest an additional two people associated with the group. The Brazilian intelligence agency said they are seriously investigating any possible threats against the Olympics, amidst concerns about the safety of the 2016 Games.
[CNN]
More Must-Reads From TIME
- The 100 Most Influential People of 2024
- The Revolution of Yulia Navalnaya
- 6 Compliments That Land Every Time
- Stop Looking for Your Forever Home
- If You're Dating Right Now , You're Brave: Column
- The AI That Could Heal a Divided Internet
- Fallout Is a Brilliant Model for the Future of Video Game Adaptations
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Write to Julia Zorthian at julia.zorthian@time.com