The Prime Minister of the United Kindom, Boris Johnson, his Canadian counterpart, Justin Trudeau, and other world leaders have condemned the invasion of the US Capitol Hill building.
Disturbing scenes from the US capital, Washington DC, showed how pro-Trump protesters strormed and invaded the U.S Capitol Hill building as debate over certifying the election was taking place inside the building.
The protesters were triggered by the President Donald Trump’s statemednt during a rally which he held earlier outside the White House.
The rally was timed to protest lawmakers gathering Wednesday to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s electoral win and at his own event, Trump encouraged his supporters to continue demonstrating against Congress, claiming incorrectly that Vice President Mike Pence holds the power to overturn the election results, accoridng to Techcrunch.
ABC News reports that the protesters, some of who were seen wearing body armor, made their way up the steps around 2:15 p.m. ET, pushing through barricades, officers in riot gear and other security measures put in place in anticipation of the protest.
However, an unverified video posted on Twitter showed some police officers abandoning the barricades as rioters made their way into the premise.
the police opened the fucking gates. pic.twitter.com/HyDURXfoaB
— katie (@cevansavenger) January 6, 2021
Wuzup Nigeria reported earlier that a woman who was shot inside the Capitol and rushed to the hospital has been confirmed dead by the DC Police Department.
Reacting to the scenes of his verified Twitter acocund, Johnson said : “Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.”
Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) January 6, 2021
His Canadian counterpart, Trudeau also commented via his verified Twitter account saying: “Canadians are deeply disturbed and saddened by the attack on democracy in the United States, our closest ally and neighbour. Violence will never succeed in overruling the will of the people. Democracy in the US must be upheld – and it will be.”
Canadians are deeply disturbed and saddened by the attack on democracy in the United States, our closest ally and neighbour. Violence will never succeed in overruling the will of the people. Democracy in the US must be upheld – and it will be.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 6, 2021
Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison described the scenes as “very distressing”.
“We condemn these acts of violence and look forward to a peaceful transfer of Government to the newly elected administration in the great American democratic tradition,” Morrison added.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez:
I am following with concern the news that are coming from Capitol Hill in Washington. I trust in the strength of America’s democracy.
The new Presidency of @JoeBiden will overcome this time of tension, uniting the American people.— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) January 6, 2021
Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg:
Unbelievable scenes from Washington D.C. This is a totally unacceptable attack on democracy. A heavy responsibility now rests on President Trump to put a stop to this.
— Erna Solberg (@erna_solberg) January 6, 2021
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon:
The scenes from the Capitol are utterly horrifying. Solidarity with those in ?? on the side of democracy and the peaceful and constitutional transfer of power. Shame on those who have incited this attack on democracy.
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) January 6, 2021
However, in a video uploaded on social media, Trump maintained that the election was stolen from him but ordered his loyalists to return home.
“I know you’re in pain, I know you’re hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us,” he said, repeating a false claim in the 1-minute pre-recorded video. “But you have to go home now.”
