WASHINGTON – Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) today issued the following statement in reaction to supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s attack on government buildings in Brasília:
“Today, I stand in solidarity with the people of Brazil as I express my outrage and horror over this weekend’s violent siege on government buildings in Brasília. Undertaken by supporters of demagogue ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, the insurrection not only represents an unbridled assault on the will of the people of Brazil, but also on the country’s guiding democratic institutions and constitutional order. As President Lula pursues accountability for these acts of terror and seeks to defend democracy in Brazil, he has my unwavering support and that of the United States.
“This haunting emulation of the January 6th assault on the U.S. Capitol confirms the world’s worst fears about the impact of Bolsonaro’s efforts to spread lies and disinformation, foment support for autocratic rule, and incite riots, all of which were ripped straight from Trump’s insidious playbook. This weekend’s events in Brazil remind the world of the precious fragility of democracy and the necessity of our constant vigilance and work to safeguard the rule of law. As Trump’s legacy continues to poison our hemisphere, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and from the broader international community to join me in vehemently condemning this heinous attack and re-affirming our commitment to the democratic principles we hold dear.”
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