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World stunned by violence in US Capitol as protesters attempt to overturn election
US Capitol Police hold protesters at gun-point near the House Chamber inside the US Capitol on Jan 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. (Photo: AP/Andrew Harnik)
07 Jan 2021 06:34AM (Updated:
07 Jan 2021 05:28PM) Share this content
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WASHINGTON: World leaders on Thursday (Jan 7) expressed shock at the violent protesters who overran the US Congress and attempts to overturn the Nov 3 presidential election results which dealt a victory to Democratic challenger Joe Biden.
Police in the US Capitol responded with drawn guns and tear gas as hundreds of protesters stormed in and sought to force Congress to undo President Donald Trump s election loss shortly after some of Trump s fellow Republicans launched a last-ditch effort to throw out the r
By Reuters Staff
7 Min Read
(Reuters) - World leaders have expressed their shock after supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump, encouraged by him, stormed here the U.S. Capitol building as Congress met to certify the results of the Nov. 3 election, which he lost to Joe Biden.
Among adversaries, China compared the violence to protests in Hong Kong, Russia said it showed the weakness of Western democracy, and Iran called Trump an unchecked threat to the world’s security. Allies of the United States condemned the attack, and Trump, but said U.S. democracy would ultimately reassert itself.
RUSSIA
World leaders express shock as Trump supporters storm US Capitol
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said democracy s enemies would be cheered by scenes of violence at the United States Capitol, and he called on Trump to accept US voters decision
Reuters | January 7, 2021 | Updated 08:45 IST
US Capitol in Washington (Image: Reuters)
World leaders on Wednesday expressed their shock as supporters of US President Donald Trump stormed here the US Capitol building where Congress meets in an attempt to overturn the results of the Nov. 3 election won by Joe Biden.
Here are reactions from around the world:
UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was saddened by the events at the US Capitol, his spokesman said.
Violent supporters of President Donald Trump have breached the Capitol in Washington, as lawmakers met to confirm President-elect Joe Biden s poll win.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Photo: RNZ / AFP
In dramatic scenes, demonstrators swarmed the building as Congress members were escorted out by police.
Biden said it was an insurrection , and Trump released a video message asking supporters to go home.
The joint session of Congress certifying Biden s win has been suspended and forced into recess.
The BBC says there are reports of guns drawn in the building and at least one person shot. A woman was reported to have died.