Brasilia, Brazil – A pro-Bolsonaro rally in Brazil's capital turned chaotic and dangerous Sunday when a sudden Lightning strike ripped through the crowd, injuring dozens of demonstrators. The gathering, initially starting in Minas Gerais before moving to Brasilia, aimed to advocate for the release of former President Jair Bolsonaro, currently imprisoned and facing charges related to an alleged coup attempt after his loss in the 2022 election.
⚡ Brazil Rally Turns TRAGIC! Lightning STRIKES - W...
The scene was already tense, with heavy rainfall drenching the protesters. Many attendees were equipped with raincoats and umbrellas, and reports indicate they were singing Christian hymns shortly before disaster struck. Around 1 p.m. local time, the lightning bolt hit, and the moment was captured on video. You can only imagine the sheer panic that ensued, especially with the loud explosion that accompanied the strike.
According to the Federal District Fire Department, at least 72 people were affected. Some suffered direct injuries from the lightning, including burns on their hands and chests, while others were treated for hypothermia due to the combination of low temperatures and prolonged exposure to the relentless rain. Thirty individuals required hospitalization, while another 42 were treated at the scene by emergency responders. It was a grim situation, and honestly, a stark reminder of the power of nature.
The rally itself was organized by Congressman Nikolas Ferreira, a staunch Bolsonaro supporter who has been vocal in calling for "amnesty" for the former president and others convicted in connection with the January 8th riots. These individuals, prosecutors say, were instrumental in the events that led to the storming and vandalizing of government buildings in Brasilia after Bolsonaro's electoral defeat.
Bolsonaro's case is complex, alleging he was involved in a plot dating back to 2021 to undermine faith in Brazil's electoral system. His supporters mobilized in Brasilia following his defeat, leading to the chaotic scenes of January 8, 2023. Bolsonaro, now 70, has been in custody since November, following months of house arrest, after an incident involving his electronic ankle monitor. He vehemently denies any wrongdoing, and his legal team is currently appealing his conviction. It's a deeply divisive issue within Brazil, and this incident at the rally is only going to further inflame tensions. The full story is available at RT.com.
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