On Monday night, a group of far right protesters backing President Jair Bolsonaro disrupted central Brasilia, reacting to the arrest of a figure seen as an instigator of coup-minded actions. Bolsonaristas attempted to breach an administrative wing of the Federal Police in Brasilia, but security forces repelled the incursion.
The unrest spilled into the hotel zone adjacent to the police precinct, where the incoming administration of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will base operations after assuming office on January 1. Security around the area intensified, including a helicopter deployment near the presidential lodging, though Lula himself remained inside the residence. A representative from Lula’s upcoming Justice Ministry stated that Lula was never in danger and remained calm throughout the episode.
Buses and vehicles set ablaze
Rioters set several vehicles on fire, including cars parked near the Federal Police building and multiple city buses. In a dramatic moment, one bus was pushed toward a barrier and left suspended over a viaduct that links the capital’s two main avenues. Additional damage was reported at a nearby gas station where a car was torched.
Local authorities had not yet issued a full damage assessment or disclosed arrests as the situation was brought under control by police and mounted units roughly three hours after violence began. Rubber projectiles and tear gas were employed to restore order.
Protest over the arrest
The action overlapped with protests surrounding the arrest of a regional indigenous leader aligned with Bolsonarist ideology who faces accusations of inciting protests that resemble a coup. The individual, an indigenous cacique, was detained by order of a Supreme Court judge on suspicion of promoting anti democratic demonstrations across Brazil, including a past occupation of Brasilia’s airport by indigenous groups. While in Federal Police custody, a video message directed at demonstrators urged restraint and condemned acts such as car burnings and assaults on police.
Government response and communication
A transition official pledged at a press conference that anyone involved in vandalism would be held accountable. The central government did not issue a rapid, unified statement during the early hours. The Justice Ministry later indicated that the Federal Police would cooperate with local authorities to contain violence and restore order.
In the hours leading up to the disturbances, Bolsonaro himself appeared near the Alvorada Palace where a sizable crowd gathered, including supporters and a religious figure who spoke against Lula. Some demonstrators continued to urge the military to intervene, a stance that has been a recurring topic in the political discourse surrounding Brazil’s transition.
Bolsonaro spoke publicly for the first time in about six weeks last Friday, urging supporters to refrain from calls for military intervention and to reflect on contributions each citizen can make to the country. The unrest occurred ahead of the scheduled inauguration, when Lula would officially receive credentials attesting to his role as president-elect. Since the runoff on October 30, Bolsonaro has not openly conceded defeat or congratulated Lula, who won by a narrow margin. Nevertheless, a transition process was allowed to proceed.