Protesters storm government buildings in Brazil

Supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Sunday climbed on roofs and destroyed windows and furniture in the country’s National Congress, Supreme Court, and presidential palace. The rioters called for a military intervention to restore Bolsonaro to power and oust his successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who was inaugurated a week ago. The protesters maintained control of the buildings for several hours before police dispersed them with tear gas, arresting hundreds in the process.

What does Bolsonaro have to say? He tweeted that peaceful protests are acceptable, but violence and vandalism are not. He also repudiated President Lula da Silva’s accusation that he encouraged his supporters to riot. U.S. President Joe Biden told reporters that the actions of the rioters were outrageous.

Dig deeper: From the WORLD archives, read Jamie Dean’s report about Bolsonaro, the “Trump of the Tropics.”