Military Commander Reveals Warning to Bolsonaro About Coup Attempt

Brazil: Military Testimony Reveals Warning to Bolsonaro on Coup Attempt Brasília, June 3, 2025 — Testimony given to the Supreme Federal Court (STF) by Brigadeiro Carlos de Almeida Baptista Júnior, former commander of the Brazilian Air Force, has revealed a stark warning issued to former President Jair Bolsonaro. According to Baptista Júnior's account, General Freire Gomes, former commander of the Army, cautioned Bolsonaro that pursuing "exceptional measures," or a coup d'état, could result in his immediate arrest. The testimony, part of an ongoing investigation into alleged coup attempts, was made public on Tuesday by STF Minister Alexandre de Moraes. Baptista Júnior stated that the warning was given during a meeting at the Palácio da Alvorada, the presidential residence, in the aftermath of the 2022 elections. "In the context of discussions about possible exceptional measures," Baptista Júnior testified, "General Gomes made it clear that if a coup attempt were to proceed, President Bolsonaro could face arrest." The revelation adds another layer to the ongoing investigation into alleged attempts to undermine Brazil's democratic processes. The public release of this testimony is expected to fuel further debate and scrutiny of the events surrounding the 2022 elections.