On Sunday (January 25th), supporters of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro held a rally in the capital Brasilia, which was struck by lightning, resulting in 89 injuries.
According to Agence France-Presse, thousands of people gathered in the rain in Brazil’s capital to support former president Bolsonaro. The Brazilian Supreme Court ruled last year that Bolsonaro was guilty of five charges including attempting a coup, and sentenced him to 27 years and 3 months in prison. Bolsonaro denies all accusations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on social media platform X at the time, stating that the unfair ruling by the Brazilian Supreme Court was a political witch hunt.
Videos circulating online show that during the rally in support of Bolsonaro on Sunday, the crowd, holding umbrellas of various colors and wearing plastic raincoats, was suddenly shocked by a lightning strike and thunderous noise.
The fire department told Agence France-Presse that they treated 89 people at the scene, with 47 being taken to the hospital. The fire department added that 11 people “require major medical treatment.”
The rally was organized by Brazilian congressman Nikolas Ferreira, aiming to demand a “pardon” for Bolsonaro.
The former president is currently detained at the Papuda penitentiary complex in Brasilia. Bolsonaro has serious health issues related to an incident of stabbing during the 2018 election campaign. Last December, he underwent surgery for a hernia and received treatment for persistent hiccups, staying in the hospital for a week.
Earlier this month, he was checked after falling in prison, but no serious injuries were found.