US President Joe Biden on Monday spoke by telephone with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a day after supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed Congress, the presidential palace and the Supreme Court.
“President Biden conveyed the unwavering support of the United States for Brazil’s democracy and for the free will of the Brazilian people as expressed in Brazil’s recent presidential election, which President Lula won,” said a statement from the White House.
“President Biden condemned the violence and the attack on democratic institutions and on the peaceful transfer of power. The two leaders pledged to work closely together on the issues confronting the United States and Brazil, including climate change, economic development, and peace and security,” it added.
“President Biden invited President Lula to visit Washington in early February for in-depth consultations on a wide-ranging shared agenda, and President Lula accepted the invitation,” concluded the White House statement.
At least 200 supporters of Bolsonaro were arrested on Sunday after security forces in Brazil regained control of the buildings that were stormed.
Da Silva said following the incident that the perpetrators will be found and punished, adding there was "no precedent in the history of our country" for the scenes seen at Congress and at the Supreme Court.
He called the violence the "acts of vandals and fascists".
Bolsonaro condemned the "pillaging and invasions of public buildings", but also rejected what he called da Silva's "baseless" accusations that he incited the invasion of the seat of power in Brasilia.
Supporters of Bolsonaro have claimed the election was stolen. Hardcore supporters have even openly called for a military coup in order to put him back in charge, with some seeking to sow chaos through vandalism and violent attacks in hopes of triggering a military response.
Bolsonaro challenged the election in November, arguing votes from some machines should be "invalidated". However, the head of Brazil's electoral court rejected the complaint.