Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders from across the world on Wednesday expressed shock at the violence at the United States Capitol building in Washington DC, which was instigated by hundreds of supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump.
The mob stormed the Capitol building as the US Congress met to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s victory. The lawmakers had to be evacuated as the rampaging rioters broke windows, tore flags and even reached the Senate chamber. A woman was shot dead inside the building.
Modi said that he was distressed to see rioting and violence in US’ capital city. “Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue,” he tweeted. “The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests.”
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called the incident a “disgrace”. “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,” Johnson said in a tweet.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the people of his country were “deeply saddened and distressed” by the events in the US. “Violence will never succeed in overruling the will of the people” he added. “Democracy in the US must be upheld – and it will be.”
Also read: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram block Trump’s accounts after his supporters storm Capitol building
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas criticised Trump for the violence. “The enemies of democracy will be happy to see these incredible pictures from Washington DC,” the minister said. “Riotous words turn into violent acts, on the steps of the Reichstag, and now in the Capitol. The disdain for democratic institutions is devastating,”
Maas added: “Trump and his supporters should finally accept the decision of the American voters and stop trampling democracy.”
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was saddened by the violence. “In such circumstances, it is important that political leaders impress on their followers the need to refrain from violence, as well as to respect democratic processes and the rule of law,” Guterres said in a statement.
UN General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir expressed concern over the violence. “The US is one of the world’s major democracies,” he tweeted. “I believe that peace & respect for democratic processes will prevail in our host country at this critical time.”
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the storming of the US Capitol was “very distressing”. “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,” he said.
Morrison’s New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern said: “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.”
Finland Prime Minister Sanna Marin said the violence was a “very serious and worrying matter”. “It shows how important it is to defend democracy,” she added.
European Union’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell Fontelles called the incident an “unseen assault on US democracy”. “This is not America,” he tweeted. “The election results of 3 November must be fully respected.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed shock over the violence. “The outcome of this democratic election must be respected,” he added.
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