Hundreds of supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro invaded the headquarters of the National Congress, the Supreme Court and the presidential palace on Sunday calling for a military intervention to overthrow President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The group overcame a police barrier and climbed the ramp that gives access to the roof of the buildings of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, climbed on the roof, broke windows and painted graffiti.
The incidents, reminiscent of the invasion of the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, came just a week after leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was sworn in on January 1.
Da Silva decreed that federal forces will intervene in security in Brasilia (the Federal District) until January 31.
“The one who has to keep security in the Federal District (DF) is the Military Police of the DF, which did not do it.
There was incompetence, ill will and bad faith of the people who guard security.
It is not the first time,” da Silva said, citing the vandalism that occurred on the day of the inauguration.
He added that the military police who have collaborated with the violent will be expelled from the institution.
The insurgents caused damage and flooding, set fires and vandalized the properties.
Hundreds of radical Bolsonaro supporters have been camped out in front of the Army Headquarters in Brasilia since the day after the October 30 elections, in which Lula defeated Bolsonaro.
They have been blocking roads, setting vehicles on fire and gathering in front of military buildings, calling for the intervention of the armed forces.
Protesters, supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, storm the National Congress building in Brasilia, Brazil, Sunday, January 8, 2023.Eraldo Peres / AP
The US Embassy in Brazil warned US citizens on Twitter to avoid the National Congress and its surroundings.
National Guard forces advanced against the demonstrators at the Planalto Palace, with shots (it is not clear with what type of ammunition) and tear gas canisters.
There have also been reports of violence against journalists.
Reporter Ana Paula Rehbein reported on her Twitter that "five journalists have been attacked and their equipment stolen... CBN Radio reports with data from the Union of Journalists."
According to CBN Radio, some of the police officers at the scene are not arresting the violent.
Outside the premises, videos from network users who witnessed the scene show a police car driving at high speed through a crowded field.
It is not clear if it struck one or more people.
Brazil's attorney general has opened a criminal investigation to "hold those involved accountable" during the ongoing demonstrations, according to a statement on his website.
With information from EFE and The Associated Press.