Lightning Strikes Bolsonaro Rally: 89 Hurt

Sao,Paulo,,Brazil,,August,09,,2022.,Jair,Messias,Bolsonaro,,Brazilian

Bolsonaro supporters brave thunderstorms in Brasília, only to face a devastating lightning strike injuring 89 patriots rallying for their imprisoned leader’s amnesty.

Story Snapshot

Lightning struck near thousands of pro-Bolsonaro demonstrators on January 25, 2026, injuring 89, with 47 hospitalized and 11 needing major care.
Rally organized by lawmaker Nikolas Ferreira demanded amnesty for Bolsonaro, sentenced to 27 years over alleged 2025 coup attempt.
Brazil’s extreme lightning frequency turned a show of defiance against political persecution into a medical emergency.
First responders treated victims on-site amid rain-soaked chaos on Monumental Avenue.

The Lightning Strike Incident

Thousands of Jair Bolsonaro supporters gathered on Brasília’s Monumental Avenue on January 25, 2026, despite heavy rain and thunderstorms. The crowd demanded amnesty for the former president, imprisoned since September 2025. A sudden lightning bolt struck nearby, producing a bright flash and thunderous rumble captured in online videos. Brasília Fire Department personnel arrived swiftly, treating 89 injured individuals at the scene. This event underscores the raw determination of Bolsonaro’s base, risking peril to challenge what many see as leftist overreach.

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Bolsonaro’s Political Persecution Background

Jair Bolsonaro served as Brazil’s president from 2019 to 2023, championing conservative values against globalist influences. He narrowly lost the 2022 election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, sparking unrest among supporters frustrated with election integrity. In September 2025, courts sentenced him to 27 years in Papuda penitentiary for an alleged coup attempt, a move critics label political imprisonment. Bolsonaro faces health battles, including a 2018 stabbing, recent hernia surgery, a prison fall, and early-stage skin cancer. His allies view these as attempts to silence a defender of family values and national sovereignty.

Rally Organization and Emergency Response

Lawmaker Nikolas Ferreira organized the rally to mobilize support for Bolsonaro’s amnesty amid Lula’s leftist governance. Supporters persisted through storms, highlighting their commitment against perceived government tyranny. The fire department confirmed 89 treatments on January 26, with 47 transported to hospitals and 11 requiring intensive care. No deaths occurred, and the rally dispersed after the strike. Emergency teams managed the crisis efficiently, treating victims exposed to Brazil’s severe weather risks. This response prevented worse outcomes in a high-lightning zone.

Lightning strike injures 89 at rally for Brazil's former presidenthttps://t.co/HZRDBqtJca #ARYNews

— ARY NEWS (@ARYNEWSOFFICIAL) January 26, 2026

Verification of Injury Figures

Reports confirm 89 injuries from authoritative fire department statements to AFP, updated January 26, 2026. Earlier accounts cited 72, reflecting initial tallies before final counts. No Bolsonaro involvement or fatalities noted across sources. Meteorologists attribute severity to Brazil’s thunderstorm prevalence. Security warnings now emphasize storm avoidance, promoting common-sense precautions for political expression.