In US, Flavio Bolsonaro claims he did not run from Brazil — he ‘left for Brazil’

BRASÍLIA, October 31 — Former presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro claimed he was not fleeing Brazil but rather seeking refuge in the United States, citing persecution in his home country. The defeated candidate secretly departed Brazil on Tuesday and arrived in Florida on Wednesday, arriving via private jet after passing through Argentina and Ecuador.

Flavio Bolsonaro stated during an Instagram live stream that the persecution began long before he anticipated. He revealed that his Brazilian passports were revoked while he was traveling to visit his father, the current president, Jair Bolsonaro, who is under house arrest. Flavio Bolsonaro recounted his father's words, "You know where they're going with this, don't you?"

He explained that his decision to leave was made without anyone's knowledge and urged people not to point fingers. He refused to provide details on how he left the country, but claimed he and his wife decided to flee "without anyone knowing." Flavio Bolsonaro also accused Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes of making false allegations against him and suggested irregularities in the runoff election, drawing comparisons to "handball goals" that were not called by VAR.

Furthermore, he predicted economic turmoil under President Lula's administration and expressed willingness to run for president again, not referring to 2030 but earlier. The incident has prompted US President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei to question their roles in the senator's escape.