Lula Slams' Vandals and Fascists' Behind Brazil Congress Attack, Promises Punishment for Attackers

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil has pledged to punish Jair Bolsonaro's supporters for storming Congress.

Supporters of the far-right leader also stormed the Supreme Court and surrounded the presidential palace.

However, BBC reported that police retook control of the buildings in the capital Brasilia on Sunday night after hours of clashes.

According to Federal District Governor Ibaneis Rocha, at least 400 people have been arrested.

Dramatic events unfolded a week after Lula's inauguration, with hundreds of demonstrators wearing Brazil football jerseys and flags overrun police and ransack the heart of the Brazilian state.

The leftist leader had to declare emergency powers and call out the national guard to restore order in the capital.

Lula also issued an order to close the center of the capital for 24 hours, including the main avenue where governmental buildings are.

Justice Minister Flavio Dino called the Brazil attack an "absurd attempt to impose [the protesters'] will by force" and claimed that 40 buses used to carry protestors to the capital were confiscated.

Jair Bolsonaro has refused on many occasions to acknowledge that he lost in the October election.

The former president left Brazil last week and went to the United States instead of doing his part in inaugural ceremonies to pass the iconic presidential sash to Lula.

Bolsonaro, apparently in Florida, took six hours after the violence broke out to condemn the attack and denied responsibility for encouraging the rioters in a tweet.

Lula said the violence in Brasilia was "acts of vandals and fascists," and it had "no precedence in the history of our country."

Moreover, Lula attacked the security officers by accusing them of "incompetence, bad faith or malice" for not keeping the protesters from breaking into Congress.

U.S. President Joe Biden Calls Brazil Attack 'Outrageous'

U.S. President Joe Biden spoke out against the attack on Brazil's capital by supporters of Jair Bolsonaro, comparing it to the rebellion on Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021.

"It's outrageous," Biden said during a visit in El Paso, Texas on Sunday.

According to the White House, Biden has been informed of the situation and will be updated on the developments.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was not in the presidential palace when the attack happened, Yahoo reported. Bolsonaro has been enjoying a vacation in Florida.

Joaquin Castro, a United States congressman, tweeted that he "must not be given refuge" following the attacks in Brazil's congressional building, the Supreme Court and the Planalto Presidential Palace.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva Sworn in as Brazil President

With threats of violence from Jair Bolsonaro supporters, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was sworn in as Brazil's president for a third time last week, according to CNN.

"I promise to maintain, defend and fulfill the constitution, observe the laws, promote the general good of the Brazilian people, and support the unity, integrity, and independence of Brazil," the 76-year-old politician said at the time.

Parliamentarians cheered for Lula before chanting, "ole, ole ola, Lula, Lula." Lula previously governed Brazil for two consecutive terms between 2003 and 2010.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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