Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro has reportedly fled to the United States, landing in Florida, after his father’s defeat in Sunday’s presidential election to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. This move follows a Supreme Court order for Bolsonaro to surrender his passports in connection with an ongoing money-laundering investigation.
Sources indicate that Washington is preparing to issue entry visas for Bolsonaro and his family. The circumstances surrounding his departure from Brazil remain unclear, with a senior Federal Police official stating he did not exit through any regular migration point. This situation could exacerbate diplomatic tensions between Brazil and the United States.
Supreme Court Order and Allegations
The Supreme Court had given Flavio Bolsonaro 24 hours on Monday to hand over his travel documents, citing a significant flight risk due to his financial resources. When the deadline expired, his passports were reportedly canceled. Bolsonaro denies any wrongdoing in the money-laundering probe, stating earlier that he had no plans to leave the country and would defend himself.
Brazilian President Lula da Silva expressed strong disapproval of Bolsonaro’s departure, calling it “shameful.” Speaking in Brasília, Lula emphasized that the senator should have remained in Brazil to prove his innocence against the allegations.
Political Aftermath and Family Precedent
Flavio Bolsonaro’s departure mirrors that of his father, former president Jair Bolsonaro, who also traveled to the US after losing the 2022 election before returning to Brazil. The elder Bolsonaro was later sentenced to 27 years in prison for plotting a coup.
Despite his father's election loss, Flavio Bolsonaro had not officially conceded defeat, initially intending to challenge the results over alleged voter irregularities. However, his Liberal Party acknowledged Lula’s victory on Monday. Campaign manager Senator Rogerio Marinho expressed surprise at Bolsonaro’s flight, noting discussions had been underway for him to assume an opposition leadership role.