We wished we could say that we were shocked with the insurrection that happened at the U.S. capital city today. Given the last four years of the president and his enablers living in world based in an alternate reality, this was the unavoidable conclusion. It is not a coincidence that a U.S. president who gave a speech about the American carnage during his inauguration now ends his administration this way. We kept hearing from TV people that they have never seen anything like this before. That’s true but if you have lived overseas in developing countries, you have seen something like this happened before, others have seen this many times before. It almost always never ends well for the country.
We as a country cannot let this stand. If there are no consequences for these actions, this is bound to happen again. How easy was it again for the mob to breach the U.S. capitol? How long did it take for reinforcement to come? Four hours? What’s going to happen next time, take lawmakers hostages so they cannot continue with the election certification? For the elected officials who sheltered in place today inside the capitol, this guy sure learned his lesson! Where is your red line?
Below, the world watched with shock and disbelief.
LIVE: Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol https://t.co/mK6Wl9oxP5
— Reuters (@Reuters) January 6, 2021
Trump's legacy in one single image.
by @washingtonpost https://t.co/YuR96T76m1 #CoupAttempt #WashingtonDC #USCapitol #Trump pic.twitter.com/xk7uU5mrqd
— Alexandre Krauss (@AlexandreKrausz) January 6, 2021
GERMANY
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
AUSTRIA
FM #Schallenberg: „Deeply disturbed by the assault on #democracy that is happening right now in #WashingtonDC. The #Capitol is a symbol of American democracy and it is unacceptable to have it utterly disrespected by such violence, hatred and chaos.“
— MFA Austria (@MFA_Austria) January 6, 2021
UNITED KINGDOM
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
SPAIN
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.— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) January 6, 2021
ITALY
Seguo con grande preoccupazione quanto sta accadendo a #Washington. La violenza è incompatibile con l’esercizio dei diritti politici e delle libertà democratiche. Confido nella solidità e nella forza delle Istituzioni degli Stati Uniti. #CapitolHill
— Giuseppe Conte (@GiuseppeConteIT) January 6, 2021
FRANCE
Les violences contre les institutions américaines sont une atteinte grave contre la démocratie. Je les condamne. La volonté et le vote du peuple américain doivent etre respectés.
— Jean-Yves Le Drian (@JY_LeDrian) January 6, 2021
EUROPEAN UNION
In the eyes of the world, American democracy tonight appears under siege.
This is an unseen assault on US democracy, its institutions and the rule of law.
This is not America. The election results of 3 November must be fully respected.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) January 6, 2021
OSCE
As Chairperson of the @OSCE I express the deepest concern at developments in Washington DC. I call for peaceful return to order and respect for the democratic process. The outcome of a democratic election, as well as constitutional principles must be respected. #OSCE2021SWE
— Ann Linde (@AnnLinde) January 6, 2021
NATO
Shocking scenes in Washington, D.C. The outcome of this democratic election must be respected.
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) January 6, 2021
UKRAINE
Concerning scenes in Washington, D.C. I’m confident American democracy will overcome this challenge. The rule of law & democratic procedures need to be restored as soon as possible. This is important not only for the U.S., but for Ukraine and the entire democratic world as well.
— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) January 6, 2021
LITHUANIA
Peaceful transition of power is a sign of mature #democracy which is 🇺🇸. #RuleofLaw is not the rule of the street. We strongly believe in the supremacy of democratic values in our allied country. #Washington
— Gitanas Nausėda (@GitanasNauseda) January 6, 2021
ESTONIA
Very worrying scenes from #WashingtoDC. I have full confidence in the rule of law and democratic process in the US
— Urmas Reinsalu (@UrmasReinsalu) January 6, 2021
COLOMBIA
Rechazamos los actos de violencia presentados el día de hoy durante el acto de conteo del voto del colegio electoral en el Congreso de los Estados Unidos y manifiesto mi solidaridad y respaldo a los honorables miembros del Congreso y a todas las instituciones.
— Iván Duque 🇨🇴 (@IvanDuque) January 6, 2021
IRELAND
Shocking & deeply sad scenes in Washington DC – we must call this out for what it is: a deliberate assault on Democracy by a sitting President & his supporters, attempting to overturn a free & fair election! The world is watching!
We hope for restoration of calm. pic.twitter.com/1OdQYEB35K— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) January 6, 2021
NORWAY
The situation in #WashingtonDC is deeply disturbing and alarming, and an unacceptable attack on democracy. President Trump has a particular responsibility to ensure that the situation comes under control – FM #EriksenSoreide pic.twitter.com/UPWwUDrQ3d
— Norway MFA (@NorwayMFA) January 6, 2021
CROATIA
Following with great concern the events in #WashingtonDC.
Upholding democratic institutions and peaceful transition of power is of utmost importance.— Gordan Grlić Radman (@grlicradman) January 6, 2021
CANADA
Canada is deeply shocked by the situation in Washington DC. The peaceful transition of power is fundamental to democracy – it must continue and it will.
We are following developments closely and our thoughts are with the American people.
— François-Philippe Champagne (FPC) 🇨🇦 (@FP_Champagne) January 6, 2021
AUSTRALIA
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