Flávio Bolsonaro lands in Miami following Brazilian presidential election defeat

Defeated Brazilian presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro has arrived in Miami, Florida, following his loss in the country's presidential election. BBC News, The Hill, and RealClearPolitics reported that the senator landed in the United States on Wednesday with his family. BBC News reported that his arrival ended days of confusion over his location after earlier reports suggested he had travelled to Argentina. [1][2][3][4][5][6][8]

Courthouse News Service reported that Bolsonaro travelled through Argentina and Ecuador after failing to surrender his passports as ordered by Brazil's Supreme Court. According to The Hill, the State Department extended visas to Bolsonaro and his family, citing reports from The Associated Press. Courthouse News Service added that Brazil's Supreme Court had previously issued a travel ban and ordered Bolsonaro to hand over his travel documents. [3][4]

In a statement cited by BBC News, Bolsonaro denied that he was fleeing Brazil, claiming instead that he was the victim of political persecution and a coup d'état. He stated that it was never his intention to leave his homeland, but said he departed from a regime of exception to become the leader his people deserve. BBC News also reported that Bolsonaro recycled unsubstantiated claims of electoral fraud and thanked the presidents of Argentina and the United States. [1]

The Guardian, The Telegraph, and Reuters reported that following his arrival in the United States, Bolsonaro declared himself to be the leader and true president of Brazil. The reports follow his defeat in the presidential election held on Sunday. [1][6][7][9][10]