New Delhi: The world was taken by surprise after US President Donald Trump’s supporters stormed Washington’s Capitol Hill Wednesday and forced the certification votes in the Senate and the House of Representatives of the presidential elections, to be suspended. Four people died in the violence that ensued.
People across the world took to Twitter to express their shock and disbelief over the chaos.
First up was US President Donald Trump, who continued his tirade on the stolen elections and then took to Twitter to calm down his supporters, but two of his tweets were taken down. Twitter also said it was suspending his account for 12 hours after “repeated and severe” violations of its rules on election misinformation.
I am asking 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!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
President-elect Joe Biden acted more president-like than the President, posting several times, about how the Capitol Hill incident is not representative of America. But many beg to differ…
Let me be very clear: the scenes of chaos at the Capitol do not represent who we are. What we are seeing is a small number of extremists dedicated to lawlessness. This is not dissent, it's disorder. It borders on sedition, and it must end. Now.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 6, 2021
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.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 7, 2021
America is so much better than what we’re seeing today.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 6, 2021
Trump’s immediate predecessor Barack Obama accused the sitting president of inciting the violence.
Here’s my statement on today’s violence at the Capitol. pic.twitter.com/jLCKo2D1Ya
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 7, 2021
Bold choice of words by 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton who lost to Trump, calling the siege domestic terrorism.
Today, domestic terrorists attacked a foundation of our democracy: the peaceful transfer of power following free elections.
We must reestablish the rule of law and hold them accountable.
Democracy is fragile. Our leaders must live up to their responsibility to protect it.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) January 6, 2021
Her husband and the 42nd president of the United States, Bill Clinton, called it “unprecedented assault on our Capitol, our Constitution, and our country”.
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.— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) January 7, 2021
Trump’s family also entered the arena — his niece Mary Trump wasn’t the least bit surprised…
Make no mistake, the so-called leader of our country, who swore to protect and defend the Constitution, directed a horde of white supremacist domestic terrorists to stage a coup to overturn a legitimately decided election. He isn't just encouraging them, he IS them. #traitor
— Mary L Trump (@MaryLTrump) January 6, 2021
Various other lawmakers spoke up too.
The man directly responsible for the chaos of today is Donald Trump, who has made it clear that he will do anything to remain in power – including insurrection and inciting violence. Trump will go down in history as the worst and most dangerous president in history.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) January 6, 2021
I believe the Republican members of Congress who have incited this domestic terror attack through their attempts to overturn the election must face consequences. They have broken their sacred Oath of Office.
I will be introducing a resolution calling for their expulsion. pic.twitter.com/JMTlQ4IfnR
— Congresswoman Cori Bush (@RepCori) January 6, 2021
I’m okay.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 6, 2021
And has Republican Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnel, an ardent Trump supporter, just burnt his boats with his leader?
The United States and the Senate will not be intimidated.
We are back at our posts. We will discharge our duty under the Constitution for our nation.
And we are going to do it tonight. pic.twitter.com/YH0PtXKDzt
— Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) January 7, 2021
US Senator from Florida Marc Rubio hit out at the third world countries as Capitol Hill went up in smoke.
There is nothing patriotic about what is occurring on Capitol Hill. This is 3rd world style anti-American anarchy.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) January 6, 2021
And speaking of other countries, several world leaders reacted in their own special way.
Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel had this sassy response for what went on in the Capitol Hill.
I can assure you that my departure from office is going to be very boring.
— Angela Merkel (@Queen_Europe) January 6, 2021
Others who expressed concern included Canada’s Justin Trudeau and Australian PM Scott Morrison.
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.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 6, 2021
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
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.
— Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) January 7, 2021
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Indian politicians who voiced alarm. While PM Modi said the democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi urged the “people of America to preserve the dignity of their nation”.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 7, 2021
This failed #insurrection in #WashingtonDC a few hours ago can’t be blamed on Trump alone. It’s the fault of all those who enabled him over 4 years – his cabinet members, senior republicans, news outlets like #FoxNews & others who pandered to Trump’s monumental ego. #Capitol
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) January 7, 2021
This is the most concerning and distressing news from USA. Power does corrupt and it can become poison for any democratic nation. This should be a reminder to all democracies that electing rabid leaders creates toxic society. Hope this is resolved soon. https://t.co/G8wiDiaRuQ
— Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) January 7, 2021
Since when did Delhi Police look after the security arrangements at the US Capitol? https://t.co/VEO3ZNifoF
— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) January 7, 2021
Scenes from the United States of America are deeply disturbing. Democracy and freedom are the essence of America’s greatness. The entire world is watching. May the people of America preserve the dignity of their nation and let the democratic process prevail peacefully. #USCapitol pic.twitter.com/wurHmkbTgd
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) January 7, 2021
Many, on Twitter, posted videos and photographs of the assault on the American democracy. Writer-director Zack Bornstein noticed something funny.
Obsessed with these Trump protestors who broke windows to get into the Capitol Building but then stayed inside the red ropes pic.twitter.com/UqnseAbEb1
— Zack Bornstein (@ZackBornstein) January 6, 2021
And here’s the journey of Trump’s regime — in pictures.
Day 1 vs. Day 1,448 pic.twitter.com/OohffkCQrc
— 11th Hour (@11thHour) January 6, 2021
Another troubling image from last night.
Incredible pic by @Reuters pic.twitter.com/yFo5B8XaIX
— Laura Bicker (@BBCLBicker) January 6, 2021
Covid expert Dr Faheem Younus saw something unexpected coming up.
This is what I wanted to escape when I left Pakistan.
— Faheem Younus, MD (@FaheemYounus) January 6, 2021
Political scientist Ian Bremmer has a wish!
If we never hear from President Trump again…I’d be okay with that.
— ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) January 7, 2021
And finally, a chilling reminder from history by American historian Michael Beschloss.
Fire in the Reichstag, Berlin, 1933: pic.twitter.com/f8peBt4T1y
— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) January 6, 2021
wow. he was very concerned about farmers’ protest in india, but now only just saddened!!! what a hypocratic fellow!!!