Biden says situation in Brazil ‘outrageous’

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The U.S. President Joe Biden declared the situation in Brazil “outrageous” on Sunday after far-right supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed Brazil’s Congress and presidential palace.

Bolsonaro’s leftist president Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva won the most difficult election in a generation. He announced a federal security operation in Brasilia, lasting until January 31, after capital security forces were overwhelmed by the invaders.

Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Advisor, stated that the United States condemned any attempt to undermine Brazil’s democracy.

“President Biden will be closely monitoring the situation. We are committed to Brazil’s democratic institutions and support them.” Sullivan stated on Twitter that Brazil’s democracy would not be shaken “by violence.”

Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary-of-State, tweeted that the United States had joined Lula in calling to end the attacks immediately.

The violence was reminiscent of the U.S. Capitol Invasion two years ago, which was carried out by Trump supporters.

“I condemn this outrageous assault on #Brazil’s govt buildings incited by demagogue Bolsonaro’s reckless disregard for democratic principles,” U.S. Senator Bob Menendez was the chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“2 yrs since Jan. 6, Trump’s legacy continues to poison our hemisphere. Protecting democracy & holding malign actors to account is essential.”

(Reporting done by Daphne Psaledakis, David Shepardson in Washington, and Jarrett Renshaw El Paso Texas; Editing was by Daniel Wallis