‘Disturbing and appalling,’ politicians react to violence at U.S. Capitol

Following a shocking day in the United States where supporters of President Donald Trump breached security, entered, and damaged the U.S. capitol in Washington, D.C, reaction has come in from politicians and world leaders from across the globe.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed concern about what was happening south of the border.

“Hopefully everything will return to normal shortly but we’re going to continue to do what we need to do to make sure that Canadians are well served in our relationship with the United States regardless of how things unfold.”

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

Ontario Premier Doug Ford released a written statement on the matter.

“The situation in Washington is absolutely disgraceful. The peaceful transfer of power is crucial to any democracy and I’m incredibly disappointed with what we are witnessing in the United States today.”

Toronto mayor John Tory expressed sadness over what was happening in D.C. and said he isn’t concerned about violence spilling over to Toronto in light of some small pro-Trump protests popping up around the city

“That’s the way people do things in this city, I think if there are protests that have to do with Mr. Trump or anybody else, I’m confident the spirit of those protests will be the same. That is for them to deal with and it’s really sad in context of what is supposed to be the celebration of a great democracy.”

Events unfolding in Washington today are both disturbing & appalling. The U.S. Capitol is one of the global centres of democracy – this violence & attempt at insurrection following a free & fair election is unacceptable. Democracy has to prevail & I’m confident it will prevail.

— John Tory (@JohnTory) January 7, 2021

There was plenty of U.S. political reaction from both sides, with most condemning the shocking developments.

President-elect Joe Biden called on Trump to go on television and demand an end to the riots. Trump responded by releasing a video that called on the protesters to “go home,” but he continued to double-down on his claims that the 2020 election was rigged. The video was eventually removed from social media by both Facebook and Twitter.

Through war and strife, America has endured much. And we will endure here and prevail now. pic.twitter.com/OvNOV0ogWG

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 6, 2021

Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar says she is already drawing up new articles of impeach against Trump after the president continued to assert claims that the election was stolen from him amid the ongoing breach of the capitol.

I am drawing up Articles of Impeachment.

Donald J. Trump should be impeached by the House of Representatives & removed from office by the United States Senate.

We can’t allow him to remain in office, it’s a matter of preserving our Republic and we need to fulfill our oath.

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 6, 2021

Republican Rep. from Illinois Adam Kinzinger:

“The attempt to occupy the capitol, to intimidate members of congress, any other country where this was happening it would be called a coup. People that are storming the capitol have been radicalized to believe that this is a holy mission similar to 1776 and nothing could be further from the truth.”

I’m embarrassed by some of my Republican colleagues on the floor. They have defaulted to political points for fame and have failed to rise to this moment.

— Adam Kinzinger (@RepKinzinger) January 7, 2021

Republican Rep. from Wisconsin Mike Gallagher:

We are witnessing absolute banana republic crap in the United States Capitol right now. @realdonaldtrump, you need to call this off. pic.twitter.com/0QGx2PlXFY

— Rep. Gallagher Press Office (@RepGallagher) January 6, 2021

More reaction from American politicians:

Here’s my statement on today’s violence at the Capitol. pic.twitter.com/jLCKo2D1Ya

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 7, 2021

The man directly responsible for the chaos of today is Donald Trump, who has made it clear that he will do anything to remain in power – including insurrection and inciting violence. Trump will go down in history as the worst and most dangerous president in history.

— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) January 6, 2021

Those storming the Capitol need to stop NOW.

The Constitution protects peaceful protest, but violence—from Left or Right— is ALWAYS wrong.

And those engaged in violence are hurting the cause they say they support.

— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 6, 2021

Today, domestic terrorists attacked a foundation of our democracy: the peaceful transfer of power following free elections.

We must reestablish the rule of law and hold them accountable.

Democracy is fragile. Our leaders must live up to their responsibility to protect it.

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) January 6, 2021

The United States and the Senate will not be intimidated.

We are back at our posts. We will discharge our duty under the Constitution for our nation.

And we are going to do it tonight. pic.twitter.com/YH0PtXKDzt

— Leader McConnell (@LeaderMcConnell) January 7, 2021

Those who performed today's reprehensible acts were rioters, insurrectionists, thugs, domestic terrorists

They don't represent America

They were violent extremists who tried to take over the Capitol

They must be prosecuted to the full extent

But tonight Democracy will triumph

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 7, 2021

 

Reaction also poured in from leaders around the globe:

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

Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 7, 2021

We believe in democracy.#WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/dj3hs66KKn

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 7, 2021