Michelle Bolsonaro's Security Tightened After Online Attack Surge

Overview

• The ex-first lady's protection team reinforced protocols this week after months of monitoring a steady rise in coordinated online attacks.
• New measures include more security personnel, revised operational procedures and altered movement strategies for public events.
• Sources say the escalation began after Michelle posted a late-June video criticizing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro and rose again after his recent interview that spread the word "estancar."
• Officials report there is no specific credible plot against Michelle and describe the changes as preventive while withholding operational details to protect effectiveness.
• The move reflects broader concern in Brazil that heated political rhetoric and repeated harassment online can produce a "copycat" effect and change how public figures travel and appear in person.