World leaders condemn ‘horrifying’ riot at US Capitol building

By Angela Dewan and James Frater, CNN

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson described the unfolding protest in Washington as “disgraceful.”

“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,” Johnson wrote in a tweet.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also expressed concern about the violent scenes and said he was following the situation “minute by minute.”

“I think the American democratic institutions are strong, and hopefully everything will return to normal shortly,” Trudeau told the News 1130 Vancouver radio station.

“The violent acts against American institutions are a grave attack against democracy,” wrote Jean-Yves Le Drian, France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

“The American people’s will and vote must be respected,” he added.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez wrote that he was following the updates from Washington and that he was hopeful a Biden administration would be able to unite Americans.

David-Maria Sassoli, the president of the European Parliament, the lawmaking party of the European Union, wrote that the scenes from the U.S. Capitol were “deeply concerning.”

“Democratic votes must be respected. We are certain the U.S. will ensure that the rules of democracy are protected,” added Sassoli.

Joseph Borrell Fontelles, the European Union’s High Representative of the Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, wrote in a pair of tweets that “American democracy tonight appears under siege.”

“This is an unseen assault on U.S. democracy, its institutions and the rule of law. This is not America,” he added.

World leaders, like the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, called on Trump to recognize the incoming Biden administration in order to help quell protests.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg called the protest “shocking.”