World Leaders React to Protesters Storming US Capitol Building in DC
The peaceful rally in the US capital grew violent on Wednesday afternoon as protesters breached US Capitol building, clashing with the law enforcement. Protesters reportedly intended to remain inside the building through the night, but were driven back by police in riot gear to secure the building.
The unprecedented storming of the US Capitol building on Wednesday sparked backlash across the world, with world leaders condemning violence in Washington, DC and calling on protesters to leave the building.
Turkey was one of the first to comment on the events. The country's Foreign Ministry said Wednesday it was worried by violence at the US Capitol Building and urged the rivals to exercise common sense. The statement came as a woman, a Trump supporter, was shot inside the US Capitol building amid the armed standoff between protesters and police
"We are following with concern the post-election events in the US that have led today to an attempt by demonstrators to seize the Congress building. We call on all sides to be reasonable and exercise common sense," the Turkish ministry said.
The German Foreign Ministry on Wednesday called on German citizens in Washington, DC to avoid the center of the city, especially the area where the US Capitol building is located.
"Observe the curfew and avoid visiting the city center, especially the Capitol Hill area. The demonstration is very likely to continue. Violence, including the use of firearms, cannot be ruled out," the ministry said in a statement, obtained by Sputnik.
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas tweeted that disrespect for democratic institutions has "devastating effects."
"The enemies of democracy will be delighted to see these incredible scenes from Washington. Big words have turned into acts of violence - on the steps of the Reichstag and now in the Capitol. The neglect of democratic institutions is destructive," Maas tweeted.
Trump und seine Unterstützer sollten endlich die Entscheidung der amerikanischen Wähler*Innen akzeptieren und aufhören, die Demokratie mit Füßen zu treten. (2)
— Heiko Maas 🇪🇺 (@HeikoMaas) January 6, 2021
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also expressed concerns as violent events were unfolding in the US capitol, but said he believes in the American democratic institutions and hopes the situation would turn for the better shortly.
"Obviously we're concerned and we're following the situation minute by minute," Trudeau told the News 1130 Vancouver radio station. "I think the American democratic institutions are strong, and hopefully everything will return to normal shortly."
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday that the outcome of the November 3 presidential election in the United States should be respected and called the ongoing violence inside the US Capitol building "shocking."
Shocking scenes in Washington, D.C. The outcome of this democratic election must be respected.
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) January 6, 2021
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE PA) has condemned the violence in DC and called for respect for democratic processes.
"In response to clashes in and around the United States Capitol building in Washington, DC, the leaders of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s recent election observation mission in the United States and OSCE PA President Peter Lord Bowness condemned the violence and urged respect for democratic processes. They also expressed appreciation for members of Congress and other political leaders, including those in the incumbent President’s party, who have denounced the protest," the OSCE PA said in a statement.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged protesters to leave the US Capitol and go home. Earlier, the president delivered a speech near the White House in front of thousands of supporters as Congress held a joint session to finalize certification of Joe Biden's presidential election victory. Soon after, pro-Trump supporters stormed Congress which forced an evacuation of lawmakers. One woman was shot and at least 13 people have been arrested and five weapons seized.
Commenting on the events, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo slammed storming of the US Capitol building calling it "intolerable both at home and abroad."
https://sputniknews.com/us/202101071081678950-wolrd-leaders-react-to-protesters-storming-us-capitol-building-in-dc/