Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro has significantly expanded his personal security detail, tripling the number of police officers assigned to his protection.
The move comes in response to a surge in death threats and hate speech directed at the senator, who is widely viewed as the principal opposition candidate in Brazil’s upcoming October presidential election.
Bolsonaro’s campaign team confirmed that the enhanced security measures will be implemented on a permanent basis.
The senator will also wear body armor continuously while in public.
The decision reflects the intensifying polarization surrounding the race, with Bolsonaro positioning himself as a key challenger to incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The escalation in security protocols highlights the broader risks facing political figures in Brazil’s current climate.