Flávio Bolsonaro Reportedly Fleeing to the U.S. Following Election Loss

Flávio Bolsonaro has allegedly left Brazil for the United States after experiencing a close defeat in the presidential election amid contentious circumstances. This move follows demands from Brazil’s left-wing government for him to surrender his passports.

Sources informed CNN that Bolsonaro, the son of the former President Jair Bolsonaro, is heading to Florida, although there seems to be some uncertainty about his exact destination.

Reuters reported, citing three different sources, that Bolsonaro has arrived in the U.S. One source mentioned that the Trump administration possibly granted asylum to him and his family.

Paulo Figueiredo, who serves as an unofficial spokesperson for the family, stated, “After months of hard work that has been unjustly obstructed, I’m just not in a talking mood with the press right now.”

During the recent runoff election, Bolsonaro lost to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva by approximately 3.6 points, a result that raised suspicions of fraud after the voting time was unexpectedly extended by a Supreme Court justice.

Lula has a notorious history, having been convicted of corruption and money laundering before spending more than 550 days behind bars. He was released in 2019, and his convictions were annulled in 2021.

Meanwhile, Jair Bolsonaro is currently under house arrest, serving a 27-year sentence related to charges some describe as politically motivated. Flávio Bolsonaro himself is also facing accusations of money laundering and other offenses.

Flávio voiced his grievances against the election’s results, stating his inability to accept them under the current conditions and indicating plans to pursue annulment.

On a related note, Eduardo Bolsonaro, Flávio’s brother, has publicly dismissed the reports of his brother’s flight as “false.” In a video, he reiterated that they do not recognize the legitimacy of the elections.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes had signed a sealed order during the presidential election demanding the confiscation of Bolsonaro’s passports and prohibiting him from leaving Brazil.

Amidst these developments, Brazil’s Federal Police canceled his passports on Tuesday following rumors of his departure from the country. Reports suggested he might have crossed into Argentina to take a private jet, though these details remain unverified, with Argentina claiming there is “no record” of his entry.

The Brazilian Supreme Court confirmed that they are keeping the process confidential and would not provide more information about the passport surrender order.

As it stands, the U.S. State Department and Customs and Border Protection have not provided comments regarding the situation.