A campaign event for Fernando Haddad (PT), candidate for the government of São Paulo, was interrupted Monday (17) by an incident involving Marina Silva (Rede), who is running for the Senate on the same ticket. The event, a walk through the center of the capital, marked Haddad’s first campaign agenda in the state.
Campaign Walk Targeted in São Paulo
The confrontation occurred as the march moved from Praça da República toward the Theatro Municipal. According to reports, Marina Silva had stepped away from the main crowd because she was feeling unwell, having previously suffered a spinal injury involving a fracture to the L4 vertebra in December. While she was distanced from the group, an unidentified man approached her.
Witnesses and reports indicate the man acted with aggressive gestures and, according to some accounts, made physical contact with the candidate’s shoulder and abdomen. During the encounter, the man repeatedly asked, Do you want to return to the scene of the crime?
Campaign aides immediately intervened to separate the man from the candidate. Following the intervention, supporters surrounded the individual, leading to a period of verbal confrontation before he left the area. Marina Silva subsequently took shelter inside a nearby store.
Candidate Response and Security Concerns
Addressing the media after the incident, Marina Silva described the encounter as a clear attempt at intimidation. A person who I do not know who it is threw themselves in front of me with aggression, she stated. It was a man with a very aggressive demeanor, but I know that they are doing this all the time regarding Haddad, and now they did it regarding me.
When asked about the potential tone of the campaign, Silva expressed hope that such events would remain isolated, adding that the responsibility for such acts lies with those who do not discourage them.
Fernando Haddad condemned the incident, attributing the behavior to the extreme right. He stated that the campaign views the event as a form of intimidation and affirmed that Silva would not be deterred from her public duties. Authorities present at the location reported having no specific information regarding the identity of the man involved.
Focus on Public Security and Women’s Rights
The campaign walk took place amidst a heavy police presence, with more than 10 Military Police vehicles stationed near the State Secretariat of Education, where the event was concentrated. The themes of public safety and violence against women were central to the speeches delivered from a sound truck during the event.
Haddad used the platform to criticize the security record of current Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos), who is seeking reelection. The majority of women today expect security from their governor, because the situation is reaching unacceptable levels, Haddad said, arguing that the administration has failed to present a coherent security plan.
Simone Tebet (PSB), also a candidate for the Senate on the ticket, highlighted gaps in existing protections for women. She noted that many specialized police stations for women close at 7:00 p.m., even though data suggests that violence against women increases by up to 30% at night. Tebet committed to securing dedicated resources to ensure that, under a PT-led government, these services would be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The event also featured participation from federal deputy Érika Hilton (PSOL), who advocated for increased state financial support for victims of violence and an expansion of shelter facilities. Silva concluded her remarks by contrasting the composition of the Haddad ticket—which includes two female candidates for the Senate—with the majoritarian group led by Tarcísio de Freitas, which she noted is composed entirely of men.
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