I have grave concern regarding the recent invasion of the National Congress of Brazil, the Palacio do Planalto presidential palace, and the Supreme Court by supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Two years ago, the US faced a similar assault on our democracy. We know firsthand the impact—both immediate and long-term— when government officials subvert democratic norms, spread misinformation, and foment violent extremism.
We must not allow Mr. Bolsonaro or any other former Brazilian officials to take refuge in the US to escape justice for any crimes they may have committed when in office, and we should cooperate fully with any investigation by the Brazilian government into their actions, if requested.
Since Mr. Bolsonaro entered the United States when he was still the President of Brazil, he may have done so on an A-1 visa that is reserved for individuals on diplomatic or official visits. As he is no longer the President of Brazil or currently serving as a Brazilian official, please reassess his status in the country to ascertain whether there is a legal basis for his stay and revoke any such diplomatic visa he may hold. And please ask the FBI and other relevant U.S. law enforcement agencies to investigate any actions that were taken on US soil to organize this attack on the Brazilian government.
I stand with the Brazilian people as they recover from this challenging time in their democratic history. As your constituent, I call upon you to support the newly inaugurated President Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva and the Brazilian people in seeking justice, upholding the rule of law, and protecting democratic institutions in their country. This includes ensuring Mr. Bolsonaro is held accountable for his role in enabling these criminal acts and other crimes he may have committed. Thanks.
