Protesters storm Brazil's Congress, Supreme Court and the Planalto Palace, the presidential workplace, in Brasília, a week after Lula's inauguration | Photo: Marcelo Camargo/Agência Brasil Supporters of former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro caused chaos in Brazil's capital Brasília on Jan. 8 after they stormed key public buildings in an apparent coup attempt. The rioters arrived in the federal capital one week after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's inauguration to protest the false claims that Brazil's 2022 election was rigged. Since Workers’ Party (PT) leftist Lula defeated Bolsonaro in a tight run-off victory on Oct. 30, some bolsonaristas (the title given to Bolsonaro supporters) have been camping in front of military units and by the side of highways protesting the results. These protests triggered an attempted invasion of the Federal Police building and an attempted bombing back in December 2022. The protestors marched from the Army headquarters, where their camp was placed, to the Three Powers Square — named because the Presidency, the National Congress, and the Supreme Court buildings are based there — and invaded the facilities, laying siege to the federal capital. The bolsonaristas attacked the iconic buildings; destroyed art; used historical furniture to barricade entrances; ransacked artifacts, such as an issue of the Federal Constitution; tore apart the Supreme Court noble hall; stole guns, computers, and other equipment stored in the Planalto Palace (the presidential workplace); and seemingly defecated and urinated in the offices. They also assaulted at least eight journalists covering the events. Official portrays of former Brazilian presidents were destroyed in the attacks, with the exception of JairBolsonaro's | Photo: Marcelo Camargo/Agência Brasil The federal government issued an early evaluation of the pieces destroyed by the vandals, including important national artworks and a French clock from the 17th century by Balthazar Martinot, Louis XIV's clockmaker. According to the Brazilian government website, the piece is one of only two pieces by Martinot left in the world — the other one is in Versailles. The rioters also destroyed the official portraits of former presidents, sparing Bolsonaro's. One man appears in a video with the former president's portrait, calling him “my hero.” The attempted coup was reminiscent of Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol Hill invasion in the United States. But while former President Donald Trump was still in power at the time, during the Brazilian riot, Bolsonaro had already stepped down and was out of the country, in Florida. Speaking to governors on Jan. 9, Lula said that “they want a coup and there won't be a coup.” Several cities registered pro-democracy protests that same day. Rioters invaded public buildings, including Planalto Palace, the presidential workplace and one of the most famous works of architect Oscar Niemeyer | Photo: Marcelo Camargo/Agência Brasil The attacks on Jan. 8 were organized via social media platforms, such as Twitter, as reported by GV partner Agência Pública, and messaging apps. A story published by UOL news outlet also shows they used an online map and prepared to confront. In response, a decree of federal intervention in the Federal District (DF), where Brasília is located, has been initiated until the end of January, and around 1,500 bolsonaristas have been detained. They could be indicted for attempting a coup, damages, attempting to abolish the rule of law, and criminal association. Detentions could increase in the following days as investigations to discover who funded the acts unfold. Former Bolsonaro ally and presidential candidate, senator Soraya Thronicke announced she has gathered enough signatures to open a Parliamentary Inquiry Commission on the so-called “anti-democratic acts.” Supreme Court justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversees investigations over anti-democratic acts and fake news, also ordered the removal of the Federal District's re-elected governor and Bolsonaro ally Ibaneis Rocha for 90 days, to avoid any interference with the ongoing investigation. Rocha said he accepted the decision. Since videos and pictures posted by the rioters themselves on social media seemed to show the military police forces standing aside during the attacks. The local government will also have to answer about the procedures used. BREAKING 🇧🇷: More video has surfaced of police officers actively encouraging the insurrection. pic.twitter.com/fZ4xhyMa5i — David Adler (@davidrkadler) January 9, 2023 Rioters found no resistance along the nearly two-hour march route or when entering protected areas. A video also shows Army forces seemingly clueless about how to respond at the Planalto Palace.