Bolsonaro supporters storm the Planalto Palace in Brasilia Photo: Eraldo Peres/AP
From the BZ editorial team
These images bring back memories of the storming of the Capitol in Washington, DC on January 6, 2021. Two years ago, supporters of the then incumbent but already ousted US President Donald Trump invaded the United States Congress.
Now supporters of the ousted Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro are storming the congress area, the presidential palace and the Supreme Court in the capital Brasília!
They entered Parliament’s grounds on Sunday, smashed windows and got onto the roof of the building, TV footage showed. The police use pepper spray. “I condemn these anti-democratic acts that urgently need to be punished with the harshness of the law,” Senate President Rodrigo Pacheco wrote on Twitter.
Bolsonaro disciples have invaded the congressional grounds Photo: Eraldo Peres/AP
After breaking through barricades, they entered the parking lot of the presidential palace, as emerged from video recordings by local media and Bolsonaro supporters on Sunday. The new President Luiz Inacio Lula Silva was staying in the state of Sao Paulo. The left-wing politician took his oath of office a week ago.
Bolsonaro disciples beat the police officers and his horse, dragging the officer down
His predecessor, the right-wing populist Bolsonaro, did not recognize the victory and left the country. Before departing for Florida, he addressed his followers and called them to fight against Lula.