Could the Christ Statue be a target for terrorism?

 

Cristo Redentor Statue

6.1.2016 – Mark Lassise Editor

In light of the corrupt nature of Brazil and the COUP that just took place.  I am deeply concerned with the potential for terrorist attacks during the Olympic Games that will be held in 2 months here in Rio de Janeiro.  There is a mad dash to finish a dozen infrastructure projects and I feel a serious lack of focus on building security at the Airports, tour stops, hotels and venues.  I have lived here for 7 years and traveled all over Brazil as a journalist.  It is not to difficult to get access if have are a foreigner and look important.  If that doesn’t work you can get anything you want in Brazil for the right price and that is straight up truth.  Brazilians will tell you there are two Brazils; one for those who have money to buy access and those who are stuck in the system.  I hope not to offend but I know this country and I will now gear most of my reports towards this issue.

Brazil is a relatively neutral player in the global governance and terrorist fight.  They have not directly created enemies with Radical Islam.  Though, the lifestyle here is not in any way in line with Sharia Law.  Therefore it is safe to say the most Christian society in the world is at risk. Especially now with the Worlds largest sporting event coming to Rio de Janeiro in August 2016.  I just led a tour to the Christ Statue a few days ago and I thought to myself this seems to be a likely target for ISIS or anyone that supports killing Infidels. Then I started to look at the security.  I have to say there was a lot of ticket takers and workers but no police presence except the one Park Police officer at the gate of Tijuca National Forest.

I can tell you from experience in my production endeavors.  When I was filming the Wingsuit Pilots of Brazil in 2013.  We climbed the Corcovado mountain through the forest and cable car tracks, and found a spot just under the Christ the Redeemer Statue.  We filmed the preparation and the exit jump of our featured athletes (video below).  The whole process took about 4 hours.  We were there from before sunrise until 8:00am.  The athletes jumped from the base of the statue, landed on the military base grounds with no problems.  Me and my crew climbed down the way we came by way of the cable car tracks and forest paths.  Not one authority stopped or questioned us.

DONT GET ME WORNG, I love freedom and liberty to do what you want just as long as you are not hurting others while doing what it is you desire.  This is Liberty and Freedom at its core BUT we have an enemy that will exploit this if not careful and aware of our defenses. The Christ the Redeemer Statue is the largest symbol of Christianity in South America and seems like a good target.  I hope I am wrong but when in a war it is necessary to think like the enemy.

Stay Informed! Stay Vigilant!

Tchau For Now!

An UPDATE on this video. We lost a great guy Fernando Brito last week to a wingsuit accident. He is one of the pilots featured. God Speed my Friend, it was a pleasure to climb the mountains of Rio de Janeiro with you.