Bolsonaro family grapples with weapon scandal and internal rift

Jair Bolsonaro’s legal team filed a petition with Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes asking that the recent seizure of a Glock pistol registered to the former president not be treated as a “falta grave” that could end his house arrest. The defense argues the firearm was legally registered, stored at his home before his conviction and was taken to a security detail for repair, stating, “Não houve ocultação do armamento, adulteração de registro, emprego de expediente destinado a frustrar a fiscalização estatal…”. The prosecutor‑general’s office has withheld a decision pending the conclusion of a police investigation.

At the same time, the Bolsonaro clan is embroiled in a public dispute over the party’s 2026 electoral strategy. Ex‑first lady Michelle Bolsonaro released a video accusing her stepson, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, of disrespect and humiliation, prompting a series of rebuttals. Flávio has framed the episode as “página virada” and called for unity within the Liberal Party (PL), while Michelle has mobilised the PL Mulher structure and warned that the conflict threatens the party’s electoral prospects. Party leader Valdemar Costa Neto announced a hurried return to Brazil to mediate the feud, underscoring its potential impact on candidate selections for the Senate and the presidential race.