Thirteen people were sent to hospital after lightning struck the event in Brasília that marks the end of the journey of the federal deputy (-MG), who came from Minas Gerais, in support of former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL).
The Federal District Base Hospital declined to inform the victims’ conditions, but, earlier, the Military Police stated that there were six people in serious condition.
Nikolas arrived at the event around 2pm this Sunday (25), accompanied by around 400 supporters.
According to deputy Bia Kicis (PL-DF), the protesters were leaning on a railing, in Praça do Cruzeiro, which is in the federal capital, and therefore suffered the effects of the lightning.
At least two victims came from other states, Rio Grande do Sul and Mato Grosso, to participate in the event.
Nikolas walked 240 km to the federal capital. Under heavy rain at the end, the parliamentarian was wearing a bulletproof vest. The use of the equipment would have been a security recommendation due to threats he had received.
The act protests against the convictions of those involved in January 8th — including the former president (PL) — and was attended by pastor Silas Malafaia and councilor Carlos Bolsonaro (PL-SP), as well as other right-wing politicians.
The group was expected to arrive in the central region of Brasília at noon this Sunday, but around 1 pm Nikolas and his supporters were walking along sections of access to the capital’s pilot plan. The climate is quite rainy in the region.
The former first lady (PL) did not participate in the walk, but expressed support for Nikolas and other parliamentarians who joined the movement through social media. After meeting with federal deputy Marcel Van Hattem (Novo-RS), she gave a speech to supporters who occupied the front of one of the overnight stops on the walk.
“It’s a peaceful, orderly event, led by God,” he said. “So, please, follow the guidance of our leader, Nikolas. When you get there, then each one go home. We are here fighting for the liberation of our nation”, he declared.
On Saturday night (24), Nikolas announced the BRT Floricultura station, located about 19km from the final destination, Praça do Cruzeiro, in Brasília, as the meeting point to resume the walk. The group’s departure from the point was scheduled for 9 am.
As , allies stated that Michelle does not participate in the acts to avoid friction with STF minister Alexandre de Moraes, with whom she spoke before Bolsonaro’s transfer from the PF (Federal Police) headquarters to Papudinha. At the meeting, Michelle appealed to the minister to authorize the former president’s house arrest.
In addition to her, the former president’s eldest son, (PL-RJ), also did not participate in the events, as he was traveling to Jerusalem. Also via the networks, he made a video call with the parliamentarian along the route.
Despite not being on the walk’s itinerary, the Palácio do Planalto, located in Praça dos Três Poderes, placed protective fences around the government headquarters on Saturday (22), as a measure to guarantee security during the event.
The parliamentarian left on Monday (19) from Paracatu, in Minas Gerais. Along the way, the deputy supplied social media. The march also attracted politicians from various locations looking for digital visibility.
Despite claiming not to want his protest to be used by “politicians”, the demonstration was full of them. There were councilors from interior cities who were elected with Nikolas’ support or sought to win him over, as well as deputies, senators and pre-candidates for this year’s elections.
