A mob containing thousands of protesters stormed the Federal Supreme Court, Presidential Offices and National Congress Buildings in Brasília, Brazil on January 8. The attack was in response to the defeat of former president Jair Bolsonaro for president on Oct 30, 2021. 

HAPPENING NOW: Pro-Bolsonaro protestors have stormed Congress and are holding a banner that reads:

“We Want The Source Code”. It’s being reported the protestors want the source code for the machines used in Brazil’s recent election. pic.twitter.com/BejrUWmpTd

— Anthony Cabassa (@AnthonyCabassa_) January 8, 2023

After his loss to president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Bolsonaro claimed that his loss was due to election fraud, and he actually won the election. According to CNN, his claims likely incited his supporters to storm the capitol in protest, although he never directly called for this sort of action. 

According to the New York Times, rioters entered the buildings by smashing windows and ramming through doors. They barricaded themselves inside the building and ransacked offices, destroyed furniture and artwork, and burned the carpet of the lower house floor. Many protesters posted videos or live streamed their actions. 

Army soldiers eventually entered the building, and used tear gas to disperse the protesters. According to NBC, authorities stopped 40 buses filled with protesters and an estimated 1,500 people have been detained for involvement.  

Brazilian Supreme Court justice orders arrest of senior security officials after capital riot, court official says https://t.co/9UeOXJGjCN

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) January 10, 2023

The attack resembles that on the United States Capitol on Jan 6, 2020, where supporters of former president Donald Trump stormed the capitol building in order to prevent presidential turnover to president Joe Biden due to claims of election fraud.

The Brazilian democracy has held their stance on the election and the win of Lula. Despite his refusal to accept defeat, Bolsonaro stated he would comply with the Brazilian constitution and turn over power to Lula, according to CNN.

🚨#BREAKING: Pro-Bolsonaro rioters being arrested on the roof of the National Congress building⁰⁰📌#Brasilia | #Brazil
⁰Currently, A Large group of riot police has surrounded pro-Bolsonaro protesters at the National Congress. pic.twitter.com/LYBklmEB0Y

— R A W S G L 🌎 B A L (@RawsGlobal) January 8, 2023

Bolsonaro left Brazil the night before Lula’s inauguration on Jan 1, and has been residing in Florida since.