Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) wore a bulletproof vest during a campaign event in Arapiraca, Alagoas, on Wednesday [1].
The display of protective gear by a high-profile presidential candidate highlights the persistent security concerns and political volatility surrounding the Bolsonaro family in Brazil.
Bolsonaro appeared in the city on the 26th [1] as part of his current campaign agenda. The use of the vest was visible during his public activities, signaling a heightened state of alertness regarding his personal safety while traveling through the region.
When discussing the decision to wear the armor, Bolsonaro said, "I cannot leave things to chance, which is why I use the vest every day" [2].
The senator linked his current security measures to the 2018 assault on his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro [2]. That incident remains a pivotal point of reference for the family's approach to security during public appearances.
Bolsonaro's daily use of the vest suggests that the perceived threat level remains high for the candidate as he navigates the campaign trail. The move comes as he seeks to consolidate support for his presidential bid under the Liberal Party (PL) banner.
“"I cannot leave things to chance, which is why I use the vest every day"”
The visible use of ballistic protection by a presidential candidate serves as a potent political symbol in Brazil. By referencing the 2018 attack on Jair Bolsonaro, Flávio Bolsonaro frames his security needs within a narrative of political persecution and vulnerability, potentially galvanizing his base through a shared sense of risk.
