Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was inducted as Brazil’s president on October 30, 2022 defeating former far-right president Bolosonaro. Later on January 8, his supporters started a protest with the attempt to have Bolosonaro re-elected again claiming that the election was stolen. This mirrors the January 6 demonstration when some Trump supporters thought that the election was stolen; however, in Brazil there was damage to property, stores were looted, and businesses had to close due to the riot.

Brazil’s president decreed a federal emergency five fours after the attack, but it was already known that there was a possibility of a planned attack occurring weeks prior to the attack. The protesters were able to infiltrate the Chamber of Deputies Green Hall, enter the Supreme Court,  presidential, and congress offices. Over 1,000 people were arrested, but later on 684 people were released because of humanitarian reasons. 

Even though it initially started as a protest, some have also posted on social media to block roads and damage power lines. However, the federal official of public security has ordered the military to prevent a disaster from occurring. Police also have responded  with tear gas. Many former government officials who served for Bolonsonaro have been arrested. For instance, Anderson Torres who is responsible for public security was arrested for negligence and connivance. In addition, Fabio Auguesta Vierra was arrested for not protecting government buildings. Bolsonaro, who is in ,Florida plans to head back to Brazil and has not yet conceded to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Turning to the damages that the rioters caused, the rioters damaged a 1.5 million dollar painting in the Presidential Palace. Moreover, the rioters also vandalized buildings and ruined architecture nearby the presidential palace. Furthermore, a 1.4 million dollar painting was stolen and so were other antiques. Power Lines were damaged and roads were blocked causing disruption in the country. People can learn from this incident and in the future prevent false information as soon as possible and to never underestimate the power of social media.