The United States (US) Congress was in session today to count and certify the Electoral College votes for president and vice president. Despite numerous state-wide recounts confirming President-elect Joe Biden’s victory, Republicans have sought to challenge the count, and delay the inevitable certification of Biden’s win.
While deliberations went on inside the US Capitol in Washington DC, thousands of Trump supporters marched to the building as part of a “Save America Rally” to oppose the certification. President Donald Trump addressed the crowds and urged them to continue their protests, saying, “We will never give up. We will never concede.”
The rally turned into complete chaos a few hours later, as protesters clashed with Capitol police and breached the building and stormed the House Chamber. Rioters smashed windows and doors, vandalised lawmakers’ offices, and put up Trump signs and flags. The House immediately went into recess, the floor was evacuated, and the police made requests for more law enforcement, including the National Guard. Security was increased at the White House as well.
One woman was shot dead inside the Capitol building as a result of the riots. At the same time, President Trump’s Twitter account was suspended for 12 hours and a number of tweets were deleted for inciting the protests that descended into violence. Although he called on protesters to remain “peaceful” after entering the Capitol and then later posted a video telling them to “go home”, the damage was already done, and he did little to condemn what had just happened. Instead, he said, “We love you. You’re very special. You’ve seen what happens. You see the way others are treated that are so bad and so evil. I know how you feel. But go home and go home in peace.”
President-elect Biden addresses the nation: https://t.co/BXM3SZK25R
— Biden-Harris Presidential Transition (@Transition46) January 6, 2021
Several Democratic lawmakers have called for Trump to be impeached or removed from office via the 25th Amendment, which would require Vice President Mike Pence to gain the support of a majority of Cabinet officials in agreeing that Trump is ‘unfit for office’. At this stage, an impeachment looks unlikely due to the limited time left before Joe Biden takes office. However, it would prevent Trump from running for office ever again.
This mob violence, which was encouraged by the President and some have called a coup attempt, has drawn swift condemnation from several world leaders. Here are some of their reactions:
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
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
Democracy - the right of people to exercise a vote, have their voice heard and then have that decision upheld peacefully should never be undone by a mob. Our thoughts are with everyone who is as devastated as we are by the events of today. I have no doubt democracy will prevail.
— Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) January 7, 2021
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
We believe in democracy.#WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/dj3hs66KKn
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 7, 2021
Very distressing scenes at the US Congress. 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.
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 6, 2021
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
Shocking scenes in Washington, D.C. The outcome of this democratic election must be respected.
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) January 6, 2021
Rechazamos los actos de violencia perpetrados hoy en Washington. Debe respetarse el estado de derecho tradicional de EE.UU., la institucionalidad y las garantías al debido proceso. En democracia, el reconocimiento de la voluntad de los ciudadanos es imperativo.
— Lenín Moreno (@Lenin) January 6, 2021
I am following what is happening in #Washington with great concern. Violence is incompatible with the exercise of democratic rights and freedoms. I am confident in the strength and robustness of the institutions of the United States. #CapitolHill
— Giuseppe Conte (@GiuseppeConteIT) January 6, 2021
We reject the acts of violence seen today during the Electoral College vote counting in the United States Congress and I express my solidarity and support to the honorable members of Congress and to all US institutions.
— Iván Duque 🇨🇴 (@IvanDuque) January 6, 2021
An attack on Capitol Hill is an attack on democracy. We are witnessing disturbing scenes of violence in Washington DC. Liberty, democracy and decency must be respected.
— Katrín Jakobsdóttir (@katrinjak) January 6, 2021
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