Flávio Bolsonaro denies fleeing Brazil after landing in Miami

Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, who landed in Miami, United States, following his defeat in the presidential election, has stated that he never harbored any intention of abandoning his homeland. His arrival in Florida successfully brought an end to days of widespread confusion and rumors regarding his whereabouts, which previously included unconfirmed reports of travel through Argentina.

In an official statement distributed via right-wing Brazilian influencer Paulo Figueiredo, Bolsonaro expressed gratitude to the presidents of Argentina and the United States, as well as the American public who share similar values with the people of Brazil. He further characterized himself as a victim of a coup d'état and political persecution, asserting that his journey to the US was strictly undertaken to protect his family.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump told reporters that the United States provided visas allowing him to enter the country. Meanwhile, flight tracking data verified by the BBC detailed that the Bolsonaros departed from Puerto Iguazú in Argentina at 12:18 local time on Wednesday, heading toward Guayaquil, Ecuador. Following a brief stop, a private jet transported them to Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, where photographs captured them disembarking just before 09:30 local time.