Political leaders in Canada, Belgium, England and other countries called for calm as they weighed on the gang of riots that were stormed on Wednesday at the Capitol to protest the results of the presidential election.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Justin Pierre James Trudeau On the anniversary of Flight 752 shot down, it’s time to hold Iran accountable. Could we learn from how Canada manages its foreign workers? Canada authorizes Modern COVID-19 MORE vaccine he tweeted that his nation was “deeply disturbed and saddened by the attack on democracy in the United States.” Violence, Trudeau said, “will never succeed in nullifying the will of the people.”
“Democracy in the United States must be maintained and it will be,” he continued.
Canadians are deeply disturbed and saddened by the onslaught of democracy in the United States, our closest ally and neighbor. Violence will never succeed in overturning the will of the people. Democracy in the United States must be maintained and so it will be.
– Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 6, 2021
Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès said she was “following closely what is happening in Washington” and described as “shocking” the images that have come out of Wednesday’s violent demonstrations.
“They show the scope of the work of President-elect Biden, which will be to unite American society around a common project. We trust him to do it, “he continued, though he also said the images” harm our democratic ideals. ”
Following closely what is happening in Washington DC. These images are shocking, also because they harm our democratic ideals. They show the scope of the work of President-elect Biden, which will be to unite American society around a common project. We trust him to do it.
– Sophie Wilmès (@Sophie_Wilmes) January 6, 2021
“Disgraceful scenes in the United States Congress,” he tweeted to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. “The United States is defending democracy around the world and now it is vital that there is a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.”
Shameful scenes in the United States Congress. The United States represents democracy around the world and now it is vital that there is a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.
– Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) January 6, 2021
In a statement seen by the BBC, the Turkish foreign ministry said it invited “all parts” of the country to show “moderation and common sense”, while the Venezuelan government said, with the “unfortunate episode” seen on Wednesday, in the United States, “it suffers the same as it has generated in other countries with its policies of aggression.”
“Like so many others, I’ve been watching what’s happening in the United States. I share the feeling of friends in the United States: what is happening is wrong, “said New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern he tweeted.
“Democracy: the right of people to vote, to have their voices heard, and after this decision is held peacefully, it should never be defeated by a crowd. Our thoughts are directed to everyone who is as devastated as we are by today’s events. I have no doubt that democracy will prevail “, he continued.
Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described Wednesday’s events at the Capitol as “mass violence” which he said was “the culmination of Trump’s sustained assault on American democracy”.
Turnbull also wrote on Twitter that “supporters of the Republican Party president and the media should reflect on what they have allowed.”
Ecuador President Lenin Moreno dit the nation rejects “acts of violence perpetrated” in Washington and added that in a democracy, “recognition of the will of the citizens is essential.”
“An attack on Capitol Hill is an attack on democracy. We witness disturbing scenes of violence in Washington DC. Freedom, democracy and decency must be respected, “said Icelandic Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir. he tweeted.
The President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli, said the scenes Wednesday at the Capitol were “deeply worrying” and that “democratic votes must be respected.”
“We are confident that the United States will ensure that the rules of democracy are protected,” he added.
Deeply concerning scenes from the U.S. Capitol tonight. Democratic votes must be respected. We are confident that the US will ensure that the rules of democracy are protected.
– David Sassoli (@EP_President) January 6, 2021
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has also weighed in on the riot at the Capitol in a statement obtained by the BBC, expressing his hope that the “new presidency of Joe Biden
Joe Biden The note: Georgia voters hit Trump’s victory Warnock puts Democrats within reach of Senate majority Eric Trump warns of major challenges for Republicans who do not oppose election results MORE it will overcome this tense stage, uniting the American people ”.
“I have confidence in the strength of American democracy,” he added.
Thousands of Trump supporters flocked to the District this week to protest the November election results as Congress prepared to certify the Electoral College vote.
The Capitol closed Wednesday as protests outside became more violent and riot police stormed the building’s grounds, some clashing with local police.
The Washington Metropolitan Police Department said it arrested at least 13 people Wednesday amid riots. A woman was also pronounced dead later Wednesday after being shot in the chest during the riot.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have condemned the violence.
Trump also took to Twitter to urge his followers to be peaceful and leave the Capitol in a video. But he also promoted disputed claims about the clip elections, which social media companies enacted restrictions shortly after to avoid inciting further violence.
Update: 9:30 p.m.