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European politicians expressed concern over “highly disturbing” scenes as supporters of Donald Trump stormed the Capitol building and clashed with police in Washington amid a push to overturn the U.S. president’s electoral defeat.
The breach of the Capitol building came as Congress members were in the midst of counting Electoral College votes in the election — the final step toward certifying Joe Biden’s win. Vice President Mike Pence, who was presiding over the proceedings, was among those evacuated from the Senate chamber and Getty images broadcast on national television appeared to show an armed standoff at the door of the House of Representatives’ floor.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg described the images as “shocking,” adding: “The outcome of this democratic election must be respected.”
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson described the scenes as “disgraceful,” adding: “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.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he was “following the news coming out of the Capitol in Washington. I believe in the strength of U.S. democracy. Joe Biden’s presidency will survive this period of tension and unite the American people.”
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas tweeted that “the enemies of democracy will be glad to see these outrageous images,” comparing it to when anti-coronavirus restrictions protesters tried to storm the German parliament building last August. “Inflammatory 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 at last accept the decision of the American voters and stop trampling on democracy.”
EU Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni described the scenes as “images we never wanted to see,” while European Parliament President David Sassoli said it was “deeply concerning,” adding: “Democratic votes must be respected. We are certain the US will ensure that the rules of democracy are protected.”
Ivan Korcok, Slovakia’s foreign minister, tweeted: “I am concerned over the developments at Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. This is the moment when the democratic process and rule of law must be respected.”
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod called the scenes in Washington “highly disturbing” and “unpleasant,” but said he expects American democracy to come down “on the right side this time too.”
“Denmark supports democratic transition in the United States. I am very much looking forward to working with the Biden administration,” Kofod added.
In the U.K. the chair of the House of Commons’ foreign affairs committee, Tom Tugendhat, a Conservative, wrote: “The US Republic has inspired millions. Not today. Today many will watch the screens fearful of the power of demagogues who claim to speak for the powerless but tear apart the laws that constrain the strong and protect the weak. The actions of [Donald Trump] threaten us all.”
Tobias Ellwood, another senior Tory MP and chair of the defense committee, urged Trump to “Call your people off.”
Trump himself has addressed the protests in two different tweets, calling for “everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!”
Earlier Wednesday, Trump encouraged his supporters at a rally outside the White House to march on the Capitol. He told them that “you’ll never take back our country with weakness,” and that “you have to show strength.”
Biden gave a televised speech from Delaware, urging Trump to address the nation and “demand an end to this siege.”
“It’s not protest, it’s insurrection. The world is watching,” Biden added.
After Biden’s speech, Trump told people to “go home and go home in peace,” in a video posted on Twitter. He continued to restate baseless claims that the election was “stolen,” but said “We can’t play into the hands of these people.”
