Flávio Bolsonaro lands in US days after election defeat, sources tell ABC News
Reported arrival in the US
Two sources familiar with the matter said Flávio Bolsonaro had landed in the United States. He is a former Brazilian presidential candidate. Earlier Tuesday, a senior State Department official told ABC News that the department would permit Bolsonaro and his family to enter the country and issue visas. That statement came amid reports that Bolsonaro had left Brazil two days after losing his presidential bid.
Brazilian authorities investigate
Brazilian authorities said Tuesday they did not know where Flávio Bolsonaro was, according to people familiar with the investigation. They were examining whether he had gone to the United States. Authorities in Brazil are also investigating Bolsonaro in connection with a sports betting case and an inquiry into the making of a film about his father, Jair Bolsonaro.
US officials tracked plans
Two U.S. officials familiar with the matter said the Trump administration had been following Flávio Bolsonaro’s plans and expected him to try to leave Brazil for the United States. President Donald Trump said Monday, without providing evidence, that Brazil’s election “looked like another rigged election, frankly.”
Election result and updates
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva defeated Bolsonaro in Sunday’s runoff election. The report identifies Lula as the winner but does not specify which Bolsonaro family member was the presidential candidate in that result. The story was described as developing, with further updates expected.
Key points
- Two sources said Flávio Bolsonaro landed in the United States.
- Brazilian authorities said they did not know his whereabouts and were investigating whether he had left the country.
- A State Department official said Bolsonaro and his family could enter the U.S. and receive visas.
- Lula defeated Bolsonaro in Sunday’s runoff election.