”UNACCEPTABLE” Boris Johnson Slams Trump As ‘Completely Wrong’ For Inciting Supporters To Storm Capitol In Washington
London: Boris Johnson slammed Donald Trump as “completely wrong” for inciting his supporters to storm the Capitol in Washington.
The PM “unreservedly condemned” the scenes of violence last night which led to the deaths of at least four people.
Boris Johnson denounced Donald Trump for egging on the violence
Violent protesters stormed the Capitol after a rally with Donald TrumpCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Protesters roamed freely through the building Credit: Reuters
Trump supporters pushed their way into the buildingCredit: AFP or licensors
The violent riots erupted after Trump told supporters to prevent President Elect Joe Biden’s election win being certified: “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol.
“And we’re gonna cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women. And we’re probably not going to be cheering, so much for some of them, because you’ll never take back our country with weakness, you have to show strength and you have to be strong.”
Speaking at Downing Street today, Mr Johnson stormed: “All my life, America has stood for very important things – the idea of freedom, of democracy.
“And as you say, Donald Trump encouraged people to storm the Capitol.”
The PM furiously tore into the outgoing President for questioning Mr Biden’s election win – accusing him of undermining democracy.
“And in so far as the President consistently has cast doubt on the outcome of a free and fair election, (he) was completely wrong.
“I am unreservedly condemn encouraging people to behave in the disgraceful way that they did in the capitol.”
Mr Johnson added that he was “very pleased” Mr Biden had now been formally declared President-elect.
His comments follow Trump now agreeing to a “orderly transition” of power after Mr Biden.
Earlier today, the Home Secretary lashed out at the outgoing US President for failing to attempt to quell the scenes of chaos which led to deaths of at least four people.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Ms Patel denounced the US President for egging on protesters who forced their way into the Capitol, smashing glass and running freely through building.
She blasted: “His comments directly led to the violence and so far he has failed to condemn that violence, and that is completely wrong.
“Let’s be very clear in terms of the scenes in Washington, and the display of violence, (Trump) has made a number of comments that helped to fuel that violence.”
She added: “I just think there is no scope for violence whatsoever, and it’s just appalling in terms of what we’ve seen.
“America needs to move on, and have the transition (to the next President) that is absolutely essential – and the type of transition that America is famous for.”
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
Unacceptable and undemocratic scenes in Washington DC. There is no justification for this violence and Donald Trump must condemn it.
The United States is a beacon of democracy, hope and liberty and there must now be an orderly transition of power.
— Priti Patel (@pritipatel) January 6, 2021
Horrendous scenes from the US.
These are not ‘protestors’ – this a direct attack on democracy and legislators carrying out the will of the American people.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) January 6, 2021
As the protesters charged into the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi’s office, lawmakers were evacuated and staffers ordered to take emergency bags with food, water and gas marks as they fled the building.
Mr Trump posted on Twitter, urging protesters to stay “peaceful” but stopped short of telling them to leave.
He said: “I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence!”
Trump eventually released a video telling those that besieged the building to “go home” – as he still made unfounded claims of fraud and told demonstrators they were “special”.
Meanwhile, the vice-President Mike Pence told anyone involved in the protests to head home.
Ms Patel slammed Trump for failing to try to stop the violent scenes.
She said: “He didn’t do anything to de-escalate that whatsoever.
“His language was not de-escalating the violence, what we’ve seen is completely unacceptable.”
Boris Johnson also branded the scenes “disgraceful” but fell short of blaming Mr Trump.
He said: “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.”
Armed protesters travelled to the Capitol for the “Stop the Steal” march Credit: AP:Associated Press
People shelter in the House of Representatives gallery as protesters try to break in Credit: AP:Associated Press
Donald Trump paraphernalia was left inside the Capitol Credit: AFP or licensors
And Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab urged people to accept the results of the election.
Mr Raab said: “The US rightly takes great pride in its democracy, and there can be no justification for these violent attempts to frustrate the lawful and proper transition of power.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer slammed the protesters for “attacking democracy”.
Sir Keir said: “Horrendous scenes from the US. These are not ‘protesters’ – this a direct attack on democracy and legislators carrying out the will of the American people.”
Winston Churchill’s grandson and former Tory MP Nicholas Soames called Trump’s behaviour “unspeakably vile”.
In series of furious tweets, Mr Soames blasted: “Never in a lifetime could one imagine such appalling scenes in the Capitol.
“A testament to the unspeakably vile behaviour of Pres Trump now confirmed to be a very very bad man.”
And ex-PM Theresa May congratulated Congress on certifying Mr Biden as the next president, slamming the tactics used by rioters.
She said: “After yesterday’s disturbing scenes at the Capitol, I welcome that Congress has certified @JoeBiden as the next President.
“The orderly transition of power is a hallmark of a mature democracy. There is no place for the rule of the mob.”
Labour Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds also denounced the violence.
He said: “The storming of the US Capitol is truly disgraceful. This terrible attack on democracy, to obstruct the will of the American people, is the product of a politics of hate and division.
“We will always stand with the American people and their democratically-elected legislators.”
Former British ambassador to the UK Kim Darroch piled into the onslaught of criticism of Trump, branding him “not fit to be president”.
The chaos led to one woman being shot by police during the confrontation – she later died in hospital.
The victim’s husband has since identified her as Ashli Babbit, of San Diego, KUSI-TV reports.
Another pro-Trump rioter was also injured after falling from a balcony at the Capitol. The protester has been hospitalised in serious condition, according to reports.
In another incident, an adult male was stabbed outside of the Trump Hotel. The victim has been transported to the hospital conscious and breathing. No arrests have been made, a DC Police spokesperson told NBC.
Police also announced that 14 of their officers were injured.