Bolsonaro hospitalized with abdominal pain linked to 2018 stabbing

Former Brazilian president airlifted from rally after experiencing severe pain tied to old knife attack.

An ambulance carrying former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro arrives at Rio Grande Hospital in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil, on April 11, 2025. Photo by Magnus Nascimento/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro was hospitalized on Friday after suffering from what aides described as “severe pain” in his abdomen. The far-right politician, who was campaigning at a political event in Rio Grande do Norte, was first taken to a local hospital before being airlifted to a larger medical facility in the state capital, Natal. According to party sources, Bolsonaro’s latest medical scare is connected to the injuries he sustained in 2018, when he was stabbed during a rally ahead of that year’s presidential election. Bolsonaro hospitalized with abdominal pain linked to 2018 stabbing is once again drawing national attention to the long-term effects of that near-fatal incident.

The 70-year-old was in the town of Mossoró attending a Liberal Party gathering when he began to feel intense abdominal discomfort. “It is linked to the 2018 stabbing,” a party spokesman told reporters. “He was experiencing a lot of pain and needed immediate medical attention.” Images of a helicopter lifting Bolsonaro from the grounds of the hospital quickly spread on social media, sparking concern among his supporters and political allies.

Bolsonaro has faced ongoing health problems since that day in September 2018, when he was stabbed in the abdomen while being hoisted above a crowd of supporters in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais. The attacker, who was later ruled mentally unfit to stand trial, caused internal injuries that resulted in Bolsonaro losing around 40 percent of his blood. He underwent emergency surgery and later had to use a colostomy bag for several months, a device that was eventually removed after additional operations.

Since that time, the former president has been plagued by gastrointestinal issues. His medical history includes at least four surgeries directly related to the stabbing. Some of these were life-saving; others were aimed at correcting post-operative complications. In addition to these, Bolsonaro also had unrelated procedures during his time in office, including surgery to remove a bladder stone and treatment for recurrent intestinal blockages.

This most recent hospitalization marks the latest chapter in Bolsonaro’s turbulent post-presidency life. He has remained an active political figure since losing re-election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in 2022. Bolsonaro continues to travel across the country, drawing large crowds at rallies and speaking engagements, particularly in conservative regions like Rio Grande do Norte. But his recurring health problems have increasingly raised questions about his ability to maintain a rigorous political schedule.

The incident on Friday underscores the fragility of Bolsonaro’s condition, and his aides have not yet confirmed whether additional surgeries will be necessary. Medical staff in Natal have not released a full statement on his current status, though a source close to the former president described him as “stable but under close observation.”

Supporters of Bolsonaro, known for their fervent loyalty, took to social media to express concern and share prayers for his recovery. Several Liberal Party lawmakers issued brief statements wishing him well and calling for privacy as he receives treatment. “He’s a fighter,” one party official said. “He’s been through worse and come back stronger.”

But critics were quick to point out how Bolsonaro’s health complications could affect Brazil’s political landscape moving forward. Some have speculated that continued medical issues might derail his ambitions for a political comeback in 2026. Others worry that his absence from the public stage, even temporarily, could create a leadership vacuum within Brazil’s conservative movement.

Despite these concerns, Bolsonaro has previously used health crises to his political advantage. His near-death experience in 2018 played a significant role in building his image as a resilient, battle-hardened leader. His supporters have often framed his survival and persistence as symbolic of their own ideological struggle. In this light, Friday’s emergency could once again galvanize sympathy and solidify his standing among his base.

Yet there’s no denying the physical toll the stabbing has taken. Doctors who have treated Bolsonaro in the past have warned that abdominal trauma can lead to chronic complications, including internal adhesions, infections, and nutritional issues. In 2022, during his presidential campaign, Bolsonaro had to cancel multiple events due to abdominal discomfort—raising eyebrows at a time when every public appearance counted.

The former president has also been mired in legal controversies since leaving office, including investigations into his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, potential election misconduct, and alleged mishandling of state resources. Some observers believe that his health woes might shield him from some legal pressures, at least temporarily, as they complicate his ability to appear in court or participate fully in the legal process.

Still, Bolsonaro has shown little interest in stepping away from public life. In recent months, he has given interviews, made speeches, and hinted at new political ambitions. Whether Friday’s health scare will cause him to reconsider his pace remains to be seen.

As of now, doctors in Natal are continuing to monitor his condition. More information is expected to be released in the coming days, but the overriding concern remains the same: Bolsonaro hospitalized with abdominal pain linked to 2018 stabbing is not just a medical headline—it is a reminder of a deeply personal and political wound that still shapes Brazil’s political scene today.

The coming weeks will likely determine whether the former president can bounce back once more, or whether this latest incident marks the beginning of a slower, more cautious chapter in the life of one of Brazil’s most polarizing figures. Either way, the nation—and the world—will be watching closely.

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