Dozens of supporters of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro were injured by a lightning strike in Brasilia, the country’s capital. The incident occurred as they gathered near the JK Memorial on Monumental Axis road amid heavy rain while awaiting a march by Bolsonaro’s backers. Approximately 72 individuals received medical attention, with 30 of them being hospitalized, including eight in critical condition, as confirmed by the Federal District Fire Department. Emergency services were quickly deployed by fire crews who were present at the demonstration.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene following the lightning strike, with people falling down and scrambling for safety. One witness, sales representative Alfredo Santana, recounted the confusion and immediate response by emergency personnel. The Federal District Base Hospital treated 13 patients, while five others were transported to the Asa Norte Regional Hospital. Patricia Rosa, a teaching assistant, shared her experience of being thrown to the ground by the electrical shock, sustaining burns and ear injuries.
The incident took place during a seven-day march named “Walk for Freedom and Justice,” organized by opposition congressman Nikolas Ferreira and other right-wing politicians in support of Bolsonaro. The march, covering a distance of around 240km from Paracatu to Brasilia, aimed to show solidarity with Bolsonaro, who is currently serving a 27-year sentence for alleged coup plotting. Bolsonaro, aged 70, was convicted in September for orchestrating a conspiracy to retain power after losing the 2022 election to his political rival, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.