Brazil:Bolsonaro supporters break into Congress, presidential palace

In Brazil, 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 the three branches of government, including the congressional building, the Supreme Court and the Planalto Presidential Palace.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. The floor of the Congress building was flooded after the sprinkler system activated when protesters attempted to set fire to the carpet. Additional videos showed protesters inside the building taking gifts received from international delegations and destroying artwork. Bolsonaro supporters protest at the Esplanada dos Ministerios in Brasília.

All eyes need to be on Brazil right now. Democracy is completely under attack. Bolsonaro supporters are invading Congress, the presidential
palace, and realms of power in Brazil.
Unbelievable scenes.

pic.twitter.com/q0ywe88ubm

— Dr. Jennifer Cassidy (@OxfordDiplomat) January 8, 2023

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned as a "fascist" attack. Bolsonaro responded to the raids by condemning the "pillaging and invasions" at the National Congress, Presidential palace. Lula, who was in the southeastern city of Araraquara visiting a region hit by severe floods, signed a decree declaring a federal intervention in Brasilia, giving his government special powers to restore law and order in the capital."These fascist fanatics have done something never before seen in this country's history," said the veteran leftist, who took office a week ago after beating Bolsonaro in Brazil's bitterly divisive October elections.

United States President Joe Biden condemned the attack, terming it to be an assault on democracy and sought a peaceful transfer of power in Brazil.

I condemn the assault on democracy and on the peaceful transfer of power in Brazil. Brazil’s democratic institutions have our full support and the will of the Brazilian people must not be undermined. I look forward to continuing to work with @LulaOficial.

— President Biden (@POTUS) January 8, 2023

The supporters of Bolsonaro had filed a complaint with the country’s Superior Electoral Court (TSE) seeking 'extraordinary verification' of the election results. The Liberal party has asked the court to reject ballots from certain voting machines, which it claims were compromised during the second round. The court has now given the party 24 hours to amend its petition, to include the first round of voting.