Lula Challenges Flávio Bolsonaro Over Defense of Police Officer in Child's Death During Debate

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva confronted Senator Flávio Bolsonaro during a TV Globo presidential debate on Friday, October 23, 2026, regarding Bolsonaro's defense of a military police officer accused of killing a child.

The exchange occurred during a public security discussion initiated by Bolsonaro under the theme "Retaking Territories." Bolsonaro questioned Lula about temporary prisoner releases and accused the government of favoring criminals, asking why the interests of victims were not placed ahead of those of bandits.

“Hard to believe that a person who wants to be president of Brazil defends a monster. If Flávio wins, I am afraid that justice will not be done.”

Lula responded by bringing up the murder of Ana Clara Gomes, who was hit by a rifle shot in front of her home. He questioned why Bolsonaro had acted as the lawyer for the police officer accused of involvement in the child's death, making the case a central point of the confrontation.

Ana Clara's mother, Cristiane Gomes da Silva, was present in the audience sitting next to Vice President Geraldo Alckmin. She stood up when the president mentioned the case and later expressed fear that justice would not be served if Flávio Bolsonaro became president.

Flávio Bolsonaro responded by expressing solidarity with the family but mistakenly called the mother by the deceased daughter's name, Ana Clara. He also stated he trusted that the officer he defended was not the one who fired the shot.

The debate also addressed militia connections, as Bolsonaro included militias in his proposal to classify criminal factions as terrorist organizations for the first time. He claimed he had never been investigated for militia links but did not reference his past decoration of militia member Adriano da Nóbrega.