Hundreds of supporters of the former president have stormed the National Congress building, as well as the presidential palace and the Supreme Court
Supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Sunday breached security barriers set up by the Armed Forces and gained access to key buildings for each of the three branches of government, including the congressional building, the Supreme Court and the Planalto Presidential Palace, according to images shown in Brazilian media.
Footage showed massive crowds in the capital of Brasília walking up a ramp that leads to the congressional building, where they had reached the Green Room, located outside the lower House of Congress’ chamber, Interim Senate President Veneziano Vital do Rogo told CNN Brasil.
Videos on social media showed Bolsonaro supporters smashing windows and furniture of the National Congress and Supreme Court buildings. They climbed onto the roof of the Congress building, where Brazil’s Senate and Chamber of Deputies conduct their legislative business, unfurling a banner that read “intervention” and an apparent appeal to Brazil’s military.
Bolsonaro supporters have been protesting against Lula’s election win since the October 30 vote, blocking roads, setting vehicles on fire and gathering outside military buildings, asking armed forces to intervene. Many believed election results were fraudulent or unreliable.
