By Sohaib Shams
Far-right Brazilian senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, departed Ecuador on Wednesday aboard a Gulfstream IV bound for Miami, Florida, after disappearing for more than 24 hours following his election defeat. The aircraft, registered as LV-JQW, had been stationed at Puerto Iguazú airport in Argentina since early Tuesday, where Bolsonaro entered by land late Monday night with his wife and two daughters.
Flight Path and Arrival
The jet made a brief stop in Guayaquil, Ecuador, reportedly to avoid Brazilian airspace, before continuing to Miami-Opa Locka executive airport with an expected mid-morning arrival. Bolsonaro is anticipated to hold a press conference in the United States later on Wednesday. A senior U.S. State Department official confirmed visas would be granted to the senator and his family, and President Donald Trump said he would approve their move to the country.
Political Reactions
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who won Sunday's election, called Bolsonaro's flight "shameful" during his 81st birthday celebration in Brasília. "This is what the Bolsonaro family are like. Brazil is their second homeland. Their first homeland is licking the boots of the US," Lula said. Trump, returning from a Texas campaign event, described the Bolsonaros as "fine people" and said the election was "very strange" and "terrible."
Planned Escape and Police Criticism
Brazilian federal police face criticism for failing to prevent Bolsonaro's departure. A gap exists between his last confirmed sighting at 6 p.m. Monday and his entry into Argentina late Tuesday. Footage shows two vans crossing the border checkpoint escorted by airport security. Weeks before the election, police requested the Supreme Court retain Bolsonaro's passport over flight concerns, citing an interview by his brother, former congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, who suggested Flávio should not concede and should go to the U.S. if he lost. O Globo reported the escape was planned for weeks as a contingency, with Eduardo as the main organizer holding talks with U.S. officials.
