Analysis-Police showdown with Bolsonaro ally amplifies Brazil election violence fears

FILE PHOTO: Supporters of Brazilian politician Roberto Jefferson, who fired at police while resisting arrest ordered by the country's Supreme Court, demonstrate close to his house as he is transported on a vehicle, in Comendador Levy Gasparian, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, October 23, 2022. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes/File Photo

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - A violent showdown between an ally of President Jair Bolsonaro and police over the weekend is stirring an already febrile election campaign in Brazil, as deep political polarization bubbles over just days before a tense runoff vote.

On Sunday, Federal Police officers went to the home of former lawmaker Roberto Jefferson to arrest him on the order of the Supreme Court after he attacked a judge in comments online. Jefferson was already under house arrest for his alleged role in organizing "anti-democratic acts" threatening courts.