Supporters of former President Bolsonaro storm government buildings in Brasilia

Supporters of former Brazilian president Bolsonaro stormed government buildings in Brasilia. They entered the parliament building, the supreme court and the presidential palace and caused destruction. The images show that the windows have been smashed and the furniture has been destroyed.

Thousands of Bolsonaro supporters had flocked to central Brasilia because they did not accept left-wing President Lula’s oath of office a week ago. They had gathered in Parliament, which sits between the Supreme Court and the President’s office. President Lula is currently in São Paulo.

Pictures of the assault on Brasilia:

The area was cordoned off by the authorities, but protesters broke through the barriers. The images show that the police are doing little to intervene. In some cases, they are quietly talking to protesters. The governor of the federal district of Brasilia is criticized for this.

Some law enforcement officers tried to stop the protesters. It shows a mounted policeman being attacked. Tear gas was fired at other places, but this failed to stop the advance of the crowd.

The Senate president says the police are trying to get the situation under control. He says forcefully reject these “undemocratic acts”. Minister of Justice Dino calls it is an “absurd attempt” to impose one’s will by force. “They won’t succeed.”

Scenes in Brasilia recall the storming of the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Supporters of the former right-wing president have been protesting against Lula’s electoral victory for weeks, even blocking roads and setting fire to vehicles. They also called for the military to intervene.

Bolsonaro has hardly spoken since he lost the election in October. He didn’t congratulate the winner and never said he acknowledged the achievement. He has been living in the US state of Florida since December 30th.