On 17 March 2021, security personnel used tear gas and water cannons to disperse anti-government demonstrations in central Asunción, the capital. Police officers fired tear gas and deployed water cannons in front of the National Congress building, when the protesters started to throw projectiles at the officers as well as set fires and vandalized nearby buildings. A group of protesters set fire to the headquarters of the ruling National Republican Association (ANR) party, damaging the building. Individuals also vandalized and looted businesses in the city center area during the protests. One police officer suffered minor injuries in the violence, and authorities arrested at least 30 people. The demonstrations occurred after Congress voted against the impeachment of President Mario Abdo Benítez and Vice President Hugo Velázquez over perceived mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic.