Jan. 8, 2023, supporters of the far-right former president of Brazil stormed the three government buildings to overthrow the government after Luiz Inácio Lula won the presidential election.

Brazil’s presidential election was held Oct. 2 through 3 which resulted in a tie and a runoff election October 30. This led to Brazil’s far right candidate Jair Bolsonaro calling for an investigation on voter fraud. Results of the election and investigation named Lula the next president wining with a 51% majority.

Lula was inaugurated Jan. 1 and was met with thousands of police and security due to threat of chaos, violence, and insurrection. One man was arrested for trying to enter the secured inauguration with a knife and fireworks but that was the only arrest made and the event remained peaceful.

A coup and protest demonstrations began after the runoff election in October. Bolsonaristas (name given to protesters by the media) created a record number of roadblocks in the beginning of November. Jan. 8 Brazil’sCongress building was attacked and vandalized by supporters of Brazil as well as the supreme court building and presidential office. Windows were smashed and all three buildings were vandalized but there have been no casualties reported.

Security forces are under scrutiny as rioters were allegedly met with little resistance after breaching police lines. The attack lasted 4 hours before all three buildings were taken back by military forces and hundreds of arrests were made. The Media is also drawing connections theU.S. Jan. 6 insurrection.

Bolsonaro has officially condemned the events tweeting (translated from Portuguese) “Peaceful demonstrations, in the form of the law, are part of democracy. However, depredations and invasions of public buildings as occurred today, as well as those practiced by the left in 2013 and 2017, escape the rule.” and Denys involvement in the situation.

To see Bolsonaro’s official tweet visit:

https://twitter.com/jairbolsonaro/status/1612242019564548097?s=20&t=Ot5_as1fMeAcAGVUdKRJdw