In a scene similar to the Jan. 6 Capitol Riots in the U.S., hundreds of supporters of former far-right Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro stormed Congress, the Supreme Court and surrounded the presidential palace in the capital of Brasilia on Sunday, one week after the inauguration of new President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, known as Lula, amid a refusal to accept the election results.
Police used tear gas to push back against the rioters after they marched from army headquarters to the Three Powers Plaza. Rioters broke through barricades and smashed windows while wearing the Brazil flag colors.
As of 3:40 p.m. ET, there have been no reports as to whether the rioters are still in the government buildings.
Brazilian news anchor Erick Bang told viewers that they were “witnessing a terrorist attack” by “coup-mongering terrorists.”
All eyes need to be on Brazil right now. Democracy is completely under attack. Bolsonaro supporters are invading Congress, the presidential
palace, and realms of power in Brazil.
Unbelievable scenes.— Dr. Jennifer Cassidy (@OxfordDiplomat) January 8, 2023
Since his arrival on the international stage, Bolsonaro, who served as president from Jan. 1, 2019, to Dec. 31, 2022, has drawn comparisons to former U.S. President Donald Trump, who also denied election results despite no evidence of fraud.
Trump faces potential criminal charges for his role in inciting the Capitol Riots and many of his supporters continue to not accept the results of the 2020 election. Thousands of pro-Bolsonaro loyalists have also refused to accept the results of October’s election with some calling for a military coup.
The Brazilian election was very close. Lula received 60,345,999 votes, while Bolsonaro received 58,206,354 votes.
Lula, who has vowed to rebuild a country torn apart by political strife, is on an official trip in the Sao Paulo state.
