Pro-Bolsonaro Protesters Storm Congress, Other Buildings in Brazil

On Sunday, thousands of supporters of Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed Congress and other government buildings in the capital city of Brasilia to protest Bolsonaro's recent election defeat.

The Details: Bolsonaro, who was in Florida at the time, criticized the riots in a series of tweets that went out a few hours afterward and denied responsibility. Authorities have since cleared the buildings of rioters, arresting at least 300 people.

Key Quotes: "Whoever did this will be found and punished," Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva tweeted on Sunday. "Democracy guarantees the right to free expression, but it also requires people to respect institutions." Bolsonaro said that "Peaceful demonstrations, within the law, are part of democracy. However, vandalism and the invasion of public buildings like today’s acts, and like those practiced by the left in 2013 and 2017, are an exception."

For Context: Bolsonaro did not explicitly concede or recognize Lula following the close election in Brazil on October 30, but he did agree to a transition of power two days after the vote. Lula took office a week ago, and was in Sao Paulo when the attacks occurred.

How the Media Covered it: Sources across the spectrum noted that the riots were similar to the January 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump.