Political leaders from Canada, Belgium, England and other countries called for calm as they weighed in on the throngs of rioters who stormed the Capitol on Wednesday to protest the results of the presidential election.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Justin Pierre James Trudeau On the anniversary of the downed flight 752, it is time to hold Iran accountable. Can we learn from how Canada manages its foreign workers? Canada Approves Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine MORE tweeted that his country was “deeply troubled and saddened by the attack on democracy in the United States.” Violence, Trudeau said, “will never succeed in overriding the will of the people.”
“Democracy in the US must be maintained – and it will be,” he continued.
Canadians are deeply troubled and saddened by the attack on democracy in the United States, our closest ally and neighbor. Violence will never succeed in overriding the will of the people. Democracy in the US must be maintained – and it will be.
– Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 6, 2021
Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès said she was “closely following what is happening in Washington” and called images emerging from Wednesday’s violent demonstrations “shocking”.
They show the scope of President-elect Biden’s task, which is to unite American society around a common project. We trust him to do that, ‘she continued, also saying the images’ damage our democratic ideals.’
Closely follow what is happening in Washington DC. These images are shocking, also because they damage our democratic ideals. They show the scope of President-elect Biden’s task, which is to unite American society around a common project. We trust him to do that.
– Sophie Wilmès (@Sophie_Wilmes) January 6, 2021
“Shameful scenes in the US Congress,” tweeted British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. “The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there is a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.”
Shameful scenes in the US Congress. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there is a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.
– Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) January 6, 2021
In a statement by the BBC, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said it invites “all parties” in the country to show “restraint and common sense,” while the Venezuelan government said, with the “regrettable episode” seen Wednesday, the United States. States “suffers the same that it has generated in other countries with its aggression policies.”
‘Like so many others, I have watched what is happening in the United States. I share the sentiment of friends in the US – what is happening is wrong, ”New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern tweeted.
“Democracy – people’s right to vote, make their voices heard and then have that decision peacefully ratified, should never be undone by a crowd. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been as devastated as we are by today’s events. I have no doubt that democracy will prevail, ”she continued.
Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described Wednesday’s events at the Capitol as “mafia violence” which he said was “the culmination of Trump’s ongoing assault on American democracy.”
Turnbull also wrote on Twitter that “supporters of the president in the GOP and the media need to think about what they have made possible.”
Ecuador President Lenín Moreno said the nation rejects “the acts of violence perpetrated” in Washington and adds that in a democracy the “recognition of the will of the citizens is necessary”.
“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, ”Icelandic Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir tweeted.
The President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli, said the scenes from the Capitol on Wednesday were “very worrying” and that “democratic votes must be respected.”
“We are sure that the US will ensure that the rules of democracy are protected,” he added.
Very disturbing scenes from the US Capitol tonight. Democratic votes must be respected. We are sure that the US will ensure that the rules of democracy are protected.
– David Sassoli (@EP_President) January 6, 2021
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also weighed in on the riot in the Capitol in a statement by the BBC, expressing the hope that the “new Joe Biden
Joe Biden The Memo: Georgia Voters Battle Trump Warnock Victory Brings Democrats Within Reach of Senate Majority Eric Trump Warns of Primary Challenges to Republicans Who Don’t Object to Election Results MORE will overcome this tense phase and unite the American people. “
“I have faith 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’s vote.
The Capitol was shut down on Wednesday when demonstrations outside became more violent and rioters stormed the premises of the building, some colliding with local police.
Washington Metropolitan Police Department said it arrested at least 13 people on Wednesday amid the riots. A woman was also pronounced dead later on Wednesday after allegedly being shot in the chest during the riot.
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have condemned the violence.
Trump also took to Twitter to urge his supporters in a video to be peaceful and leave the Capitol. But he also promoted disputed allegations about the election in the clip, which restricted social media companies not long after to avoid incitement to more violence.
Updated: 9:30 PM