US Capitol: Four Dead, 52 arrested as World Leaders Condemn Invasion
Lawmakers have returned to the US Capitol to finish certifying Joe Biden’s election victory, hours after Trump supporters stormed the building in a riot that saw four people die.
Officials say one woman was shot by police, while three others died as a result of “medical emergencies”.
The pro-Trump mob stormed the building in a bid to overturn the election result, suspending a Congress session.
President Donald Trump, who had urged the demonstrators to march on the Capitol, later called on them to “go home”, while continuing to make false claims of electoral fraud.
Mayor Muriel Bowser said the woman who was shot was part of a group of individuals that forced entry into the House room, which was still in session. They were confronted by plainclothes officers, and an officer pulled out a weapon and fired it, she said.
The woman was taken to hospital and proclaimed dead. She has not been officially named, but local media identified her as San Diego-area US Air Force veteran and Trump supporter Ashli Babbit.
Officials said the three other deaths included one woman and two men. Further details of how they died have not been made public.
At least 14 members of the police were injured during the unrest.
The action was targeting the joint session of Congress being held to certify Mr Biden’s election victory on 3 November.
The occupation of the Capitol lasted more than three hours before the building was secured by law enforcement. But there was little sign the protesters were heeding Mr Trump’s call to go home, despite a citywide curfew declared by the city mayor from 18:00 to 06:00 (23:00 to 11:00 GMT).
So far, more than 52 people have been arrested – 47 of them for curfew violations.
There were also protests on Wednesday at state legislatures in Kansas, Georgia, Utah and on the other side of the country in Oregon and the north-western state of Washington.
WORLD LEADERS CONDEMN INVASION
Today is a reminder, a painful one, that democracy is fragile. To preserve it requires people of good will, leaders with the courage to stand up, who are devoted not to pursuit of power and personal interest at any cost, but to the common good.
Carter Center Urges Americans to Support Transition
Our country’s long and proud history of peaceful and democratic transitions is being tested by the events unfolding inside the U.S. Capitol, which was put on lockdown after protestors stormed the building.
While The Carter Center supports Americans’ right to protest peacefully, it strongly condemns threats or violence of any sort.
We call on the mob inside the Capitol building to disband immediately and on all protestors to respect the 6 p.m. curfew. As many members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have said, the democratic process of certifying the election results must be allowed to continue.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, voters participated in the November 2020 election in record numbers. The process of counting and verifying the accuracy of the results has been completed, and the extensive legal challenges have been resolved, resulting in Joe Biden being declared the winner.
All Americans should be proud of what was accomplished. Although there is no doubt that the entire process has been credible, there has been an historically unprecedented and damaging effort to deny and reverse the expressed will of the people. This has put significant strain on our democratic system and created ill-founded doubt among millions of Americans about the integrity of the elections.
As we have done throughout our history, it is now time to support a peaceful transition and work together toward a prosperous and shared future.
###
The Carter Center
Former US President, Jimmy Carter
Today we faced an unprecedented assault on our Capitol, our Constitution, and our country.
The assault was fueled by more than four years of poison politics spreading deliberate misinformation, sowing distrust in our system, and pitting Americans against one another.The match was lit by Donald Trump and his most ardent enablers, including many in Congress, to overturn the results of an election he lost.
The election was free, the count was fair, the result is final. We must complete the peaceful transfer of power our Constitution mandates.I have always believed that America is made up of good, decent people. I still do.
If that’s who we really are, we must reject today’s violence, turn the page, and move forward together—honoring our Constitution, remaining committed to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Former US President, Bill Clinton
Laura and I are watching the scenes of mayhem unfolding at the seat of our Nation’s Government in disbelief and disarray. It is (a) sickening and heartbreaking sight. This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic-not our democratic republic.
I am appalled by the reckless behaviour of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown for our Institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement. The violent assault on the Capitol and disruption of a Constitutionally-mandated meeting of Congress was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes.
Insurrection could do grave damage to our Nation and Reputation. In the United States of America, it is the fundamental responsibility of every patriotic citizen to support the rule of law.
To those who are disappointed in the results of the election: Our Country is more important than the politics of the moment. Let the officials elected by the people fulfill their duties and represent our voices in peace and safety.
May God continue to bless the United States of America.
Former US President, George Walker Bush
History will rightly remember today’s violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting President who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation. But we’d be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise.
For two months now, a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem has too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth, that, this was not a particularly close election and that President-Elect Biden will be inaugurated on January 20. Their fantasy narrative has spiralled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of down resentments. Now we’re seeing the consequences.
Right now, Republican leaders have choice made clear in the desecrated chambers of democracy. They can continue down this road and keep stoking the raging fires. Or they can choose reality and take the first steps toward extinguishing the flames. They can choose America.
I’ve been heartened to see many members of the President’s Party speak up forcefully today. Their voices add to the examples of Republican State and Local election officials in States like Georgia who’ve refused to be intimidated and have discharged their duties honorably. We need more leaders like these-right now and in the days, weeks and months ahead as President-Elect Biden works to restore a common purpose to our politics. It’s up to all zof is as Americans, regardless of Party, to support him in that goal.
Former US President, Barack Obama
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.
The Government if the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela expresses its concern with acts of violence that taking place in the City of Washington, The United States.
Venezuela condemns the political polarisation and the spiral of violence that only reflects the deep crisis that the political and social system of the United States is currently going through.
With this unfortunate episode, the United States is suffering the same thing that it has generated in other Countries with its policies of aggression.
Venezuela hopes that soon the violence will cease and the American people can finally open a new path towards stability and social justice.
Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister, Jorge Arreaza
Shocking scenes in Washington, D.C. The outcome of this democratic election must be respected.
NATO Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg
We are following with concern the internal developments happening in the U.S. following the Presidential elections which culminated in the Capitol Hill building being breached by protesters today.
We call on all parties in the U.S. to maintain restraint and prudence. We believe the U.S. will overcome this internal political crisis in a mature manner.
We advise Turkish citizens in the U.S. to avoid crowded areas and places where protests are taking place.
Turkey Foreign Affairs Ministry
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.
Deeply concerning scenes from the US Capitol tonight. Democratic votes must be respected. We are certain the US will ensure that the rules of democracy are protected.
European Parliament President, David Sassoli
The enemies of democracy will be happy to see these incredible pictures from #WashingtonDC. Riotous words turn into violent acts – on the steps of the Reichstag, and now in the #Capitol. The disdain for democratic institutions is devastating.
Trump and his supporters should finally accept the decision of the American voters and stop trampling democracy.
German Foreign Affairs Minister, Heiko Maas
I believe in the strength of US institutions and democracy. Peaceful transition of power is at the core. @JoeBiden won the election.
I look forward to working with him as the next President of the USA.
European Commission President, Ursula Von der Leyen
The violent acts against American institutions are a grave attack against democracy. I condemn them. The American people’s will and vote must be respected.
French Foreign Affairs Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian
@antonioguterres is saddened by today’s events in Washington. 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.
The UN Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric de la Rivière
As President of the UN General Assembly,I’m saddened & concerned by today’s developments at the Capitol in #WashingtonDC.The US is one of the world’s major democracies. I believe that peace & respect for democratic processes will prevail in our host country at this critical time.
75th President of the UNGA, Volkan Bozkir
Like so many others, I’ve been watching what’s happening in the United States. I share the sentiment of friends in the US – what is happening is wrong.
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.
New Zealand PM, Jacinda Ardern
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.
The US Congress is a temple of democracy.
To witness tonight’s scenes in #WashingtonDC is a shock.
We trust the US to ensure a peaceful transfer of power to @JoeBiden
European Council President, Charles Michel
Deeply worrying developments in Washington, D.C. This is an assault on democracy. President Trump and several members of Congress bear substantial responsibility for developments. The democratic election process must be respected.
The Irish people have a deep connection with the United States of America, built up over many generations. I know that many, like me, will be watching the scenes unfolding in Washington DC with great concern and dismay. �� ��
Japan’s top government spokesman on Thursday said the country was concerned and closely monitoring the breach at the U.S. Capitol.
“We are hoping for a peaceful transfer of power” in the United States, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters.
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.
Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon
The violent scenes we saw in Washington today are an affront to democracies around the globe. True and genuine democracy is a precious treasure that no nation should ever take for granted. We are confident the USA will soon close this ugly chapter once and for all.
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.
Chile rejects actions designed to alter the democratic process in the US and condemns violence and undue interference with constitutional institutions
Chile relies on the strength of US democracy to guarantee the rule of law and the rule of law.
Chilean President, Sebastian Pinera
We express our condemnation of the serious acts of violence and the outrage of Congress that occurred today in Washington DC. We are confident that there will be a peaceful transition that respects the popular will, and we express our strongest support for President-elect @JoeBiden.
Argentine President, Alberto Fernandez
Have been up, watching shocking scenes in the US Congress where protestors have entered the Chamber, stopped proceedings and forced Members to flee. Law officers with drawn guns were unable to stop them. Police in full riot gear are now gathering to try to restore order. The Washington DC Mayor has declared a curfew. We hope this ends peacefully. It’s a sad day.
Singapore’s Senior Minister, Teo Chee Hean
I am following with concern the news that are coming from Capitol Hill in Washington. I trust in the strength of America’s democracy.
The new Presidency of @JoeBiden will overcome this time of tension, uniting the American people.
Spanish President, Pedro Sanchez
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