Witnesses claim that supporters of the former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro invaded Brazil’s presidential palace, Congress, and ministries’ buildings.
Social media images show thousands of people, many dressed in yellow and green Brazil flags, lining up to the National Congress Building in the capital.
It is believed that the supporters broke through the blockade erected by security forces to invade the Congress and the Ministries Building.
According to Reuters, protesters also surrounded Planalto Palace and are now at the Supreme Court.
Local media estimates that around 3,000 people are involved.
Brazil’s President LuizInacio Lula Da Silva is currently on an official visit to Sao Paulo.
The assailants of Congress scaled the roof of the building and broke the glass in its windows.
Television footage showed protesters destroying furniture in the Supreme Court and Congress.
Images from TV channel Globo News show protesters walking around the presidential palace.
Protesters are calling on the military to intervene to restore Bolsonaro’s power. They are carrying banners that read “military intervention.”
Lula’s Workers Party asked the office the top public procuror to order security forces to control the demonstrations in the capital.
Some photos show protesters clashing against security personnel with tear gas used.
These incidents echo the invasion of the US Capitol on 6 January 2021 and occur after Mr da Silva, a left-leaning politician, was sworn into office on 1 January.
Since 30 October, Bolsonaro supporters have protested against the election win of Mr Lula, blocking roads and setting fire to cars. They also gather outside military buildings to ask for assistance from the armed forces.
Bolsonaro was defeated by Lula da Silva in the vote, but Bolsonaro repeatedly challenged the legitimacy of the country’s electronic voting system, without providing any evidence. Many of his most loyal supporters continue to believe him.
This comes days after reports claimed that the presidential palace was in a “deteriorated” state after Bolsonaro left.
Ms. da Silva said that rugs were torn, floors damaged and windows broken. A ceiling was stained from water leaks. And a large banquet hall was left empty.
Bolsonaro fled Brazil for Florida 48 hours prior to the expiration of his term.