Supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro have invaded the country’s presidential palace, Congress, Supreme Court and ministries building.
Images on social media show what looks like thousands of people, many draped in the yellow and green of the Brazilian flag, marching up the steps of the National Congress building in the capital.
It is understood that the supporters broke through a blockade set up by the security forces and invaded the ministries building and Congress.
Protesters also surrounded the Planalto Palace, according to Reuters, and have now entered the Supreme Court.
Local media estimate around 3,000 people are involved.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is currently in the state of Sao Paulo, on an official trip.
Those targeting Congress scaled the roof of the building and smashed the glass in its windows.
Protesters were seen on television smashing furniture inside the Supreme Court and Congress.
A man waves the flag of Brazil as supporters of Jair Bolsonaro demonstrate outside Brazil’s National Congress
Footage broadcast on the Globo News television channel showed protesters wandering around the presidential palace.
Some of those protesting are calling on the military to get involved in restoring Mr Bolsonaro to power, waving banners proclaiming “military intervention”.
Lula’s Workers’ Party asked the attorney general’s office to order the capital’s security forces to contain the protesters.
Some of the footage that has emerged shows protesters clashing with security personnel, with tear gas used.
The incidents echo the invasion of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, and come after leftist Mr. da Silva was sworn in on January 1.
Supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro clash with security forces
Supporters of Mr Bolsonaro have been protesting Mr Lula’s election victory since October 30, blocking roads, burning vehicles and gathering outside military buildings, demanding the armed forces intervene.
Lula da Silva beat Bolsonaro in the vote but the former president has repeatedly questioned, without evidence, the credibility of the country’s electronic voting system. Many of his staunch supporters continued to believe him.
It comes just days after reports that the presidential palace had been left in a “deteriorated” state following Mr Bolsonaro’s departure, with several items said to have gone missing.
Photos have emerged of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro in Florida, after leaving the post with two days left in his term
According to Ms da Silva, who gave a tour of Brazilian broadcaster TV Globo after moving in, carpets had been torn, floors damaged, a window broken, water leaks had stained a ceiling and a huge banquet hall left bare.
Mr. Bolsonaro left Brazil for Florida 48 hours before the end of his mandate.
