A group of Bolsonaro supporters in Brazil, partaking in the ‘Walk for Freedom and Justice’ led by opposition congressman Nikolas Ferreira, faced a tragic incident when lightning struck near the JK Memorial on the Monumental Axis. The incident occurred on a rainy Sunday as the supporters were waiting for a march. The lightning hit the area, causing chaos and resulting in at least 72 people needing medical assistance according to the Federal District Fire Department. Among the injured, 30 had to be taken to the hospital, with 8 of them in serious condition. Firefighters on-site set up emergency aid to tend to the injured.

Witnessing the harrowing event, sales representative Alfredo Santana described the scene as ‘chaos’ with people going down after the lightning strike. The firefighters and SAMU were present, but the sheer number of casualties made it challenging to manage. The strike occurred very close to the sound truck, disrupting the peaceful demonstration. Hospital reports revealed that 13 patients were treated at the Federal District Base Hospital, while five others were admitted to the Asa Norte Regional Hospital.

The ‘Walk for Freedom and Justice’ was a seven-day march where participants walked over 240km from Paracatu to Brasília in support of Bolsonaro. The march was organized by Nikolas Ferreira and other right-wing politicians. The event concluded on Sunday, marking the end of their journey. Bolsonaro, the former president currently serving a 27-year prison sentence, was supported by the participants despite his controversial status. The march aimed to show solidarity with Bolsonaro, who was convicted of conspiring to stay in power after losing to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the 2022 elections.