The Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) has issued an official statement following a violent confrontation on its Pampulha campus involving two pre-candidates for state deputy and groups of students. The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, when Marília Amaral (PL-MG) and Douglas Garcia (União-SP) entered the university grounds without prior authorization to conduct a political activity that escalated into physical altercations.
According to UFMG’s press release, the pair had not notified university authorities of their planned activity, which involved offering R$500 to anyone who could prove that former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is better for Brazil than former president Jair Bolsonaro. The university confirmed that the event took place in a circulation area of the Faculty of Philosophy and Human Sciences (Fafich), where spontaneous student reactions led to a tense situation that culminated in violence.
Video evidence obtained by local media outlet Itatiaia shows Douglas Garcia engaging in physical exchanges with students during the confrontation. The footage captures moments of heightened tension as the debate over political figures turned physical, with punches thrown by both sides before the pre-candidates left the campus before the arrival of Military Police (PMMG) units.
The Academic Directory of Fafich publicly celebrated the removal of the pre-candidates from campus, stating in a social media post that the university community does not tolerate what it described as “the politics of extermination” being introduced into democratic spaces. The group emphasized its commitment to defending public education and democratic rights within the university environment.
In response to inquiries from Itatiaia, Douglas Garcia claimed he and Marília Amaral were “surprised by a group of supposed students who initiated a series of verbal and physical aggressions,” asserting they acted in self-defense. Marília Amaral echoed this sentiment, describing the students as “very aggressive” and stating they “launched an attack” following the debate.
UFMG reiterated in its official note that the political content recording was not communicated to any institutional body within the university and that campus security was activated to contain the situation. The university emphasized that the incident occurred in an open area of campus and resulted from unsanctioned activities that provoked immediate student reactions.
The confrontation has reignited broader debates about political campaigning on public university grounds in Brazil, particularly regarding the boundaries between free speech, political expression and institutional autonomy. UFMG’s statement underscores its position that all political activities on campus must follow established protocols to ensure safety and respect for the academic community.
As of the latest update, no formal charges have been filed against either pre-candidate or participating students in relation to the April 22 incident. The Military Police confirmed they responded to the scene but noted the individuals involved had departed prior to their arrival. UFMG stated We see reviewing internal security procedures in light of the event but has not announced any disciplinary actions or policy changes at this time.
The university continues to monitor developments and encourages members of its community to report any unauthorized activities that may disrupt campus order or violate institutional regulations. Official updates regarding follow-up measures will be communicated through UFMG’s formal channels as they turn into available.