Bolsonaro supporters storm Brazilian congress
Supporters of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro invaded Brazil's congress, presidential palace and supreme court in Brasilia today, demanding President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva be removed from office.
Lula, who was traveling in Sao Paulo state today, declared a federal security intervention in the country's federal district surrounding Brasilia until 31 January. He called the rioters "fascists and fanatics" and promised they would be punished "with the full force of the law," while financial supporters of the protests will also be investigated.
Congress and the courts were not in session as images on social media showed the protesters ransacking the buildings, particularly the supreme court, which has been heavily criticized by Bolsonaro and his supporters.
At least 150 protesters were arrested so far, according to the Federal District Police.
This is the latest in a series of protests by Bolsonaro supporters since he lost his reelection bid to Lula on 30 October in one of the most tense elections in the country in decades. Truckers blocked many roads throughout the country in October and November, as Bolsanoro refused to concede defeat.
Bolsonaro, who left the country two days before his term expired and did not attend Lula's 1 January inauguration, has claimed the election was stolen. His claims and the reaction by his supporters echo those of former US president Donald Trump and his supporters, who stormed the US Capitol on 6 January 2021.
Lula will return to Brasilia later today to visit the ransacked buildings. Leaders from the legislature and judiciary plan to meet Monday to address the situation.
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