Brazil: Attempt by Bolsonaro supporters to impose force will not pass, says justice minister

Supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro stormed several government buildings today, causing significant damage, according to videos posted on social media.

“This absurd attempt to force their will will not pass,” warned the new Minister of Justice, Flavo Dino, in a tweet. “Reinforcements will be sent,” he added.

President Lula’s Workers’ Party asked the attorney general’s office to order security forces to contain the protesters.

Radicalized Bolsonaros arrived en masse outside Congress and surprised security forces, a week after the inauguration of new president Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, whose victory they do not recognize.

Dramatic footage, reminiscent of the storming of the US Capitol two years ago, shows a crowd of protesters, dressed in yellow and green T-shirts, occupying Congress, the Supreme Court and various departments while surrounding the presidential palace. A few thousand people stormed the Supreme Court and Congress and were seen smashing furniture. Videos show damaged offices of parliamentarians and protesters standing on Senate benches. Local media estimated that around 3,000 people participated in the riots.