Former Brazilian President Bolsonaro hospitalized in US from “abdominal pain”

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was hospitalized in Orlando, Florida with “abdominal pain,” a day after his supporters stormed the capital city of Brasilia, his wife said on Monday.  

Bolsonaro, 67, was admitted to Advent Health Celebration acute care hospital in Orlando after he felt discomfort on Sunday evening.

The former president "is under observation in the hospital, due to abdominal discomfort stemming from the stabbing attack he suffered in 2018,” Michelle Bolsonaro posted on Instagram. 

During his presidential campaign trail in 2018, Bolsonaro was the victim of a knife attack that almost claimed his life. Despite surviving the attack, he has suffered several health problems related to the incident. So far, he has undergone six surgeries. 

The former president traveled to the U.S. two days before his opponent Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva took office on January 1. Bolsonaro and his wife had been staying at the home of Brazilian former mixed martial arts fighter and UFC champion Jose Aldo. 

Bolsonaro’s hospitalization comes a day after his supporters stormed the Brazilian capital of Brasilia. Demonstrators invaded the presidential palace, Congress, and supreme court. The rioters reportedly destroyed documents, furniture and broke windows before law enforcement agents were able to calm the situation.

Around 170 of the former president’s supporters were reportedly arrested as a result of the riots.

President da Silva called the protestors “fanatic fascists” and issued an emergency in the area. Bolsonaro condemned the “pillaging” of Brasilia on Sunday evening on Twitter and denied that he had any role in the attacks.