UPDATE - NATO, European leaders voice concern about US events

ADDS MORE REACTIONS

By Busra Nur Bilgic Cakmak and Dilan Pamuk

ANKARA (AA) - The head of NATO and European leaders voiced concerned after supporters of American President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol as lawmakers were set to sign off Wednesday on President-elect Joe Biden's electoral victory.

“Shocking scenes in Washington, D.C. The outcome of this democratic election must be respected,” said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Twitter.

British premier Boris Johnson called the events “disgraceful” and said the US “stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.”

“I am following with concern the news that are coming from Capitol Hill in Washington. I trust in the strength of America's democracy,” said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. “The new Presidency of Joe Biden will overcome this time of tension, uniting the American people.”

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas urged that "Trump and his supporters should finally accept the decision of the American voters and stop trampling democracy."

"Enemies of democracy will be happy to see these inconceivable images in WashingtonDC. Incendiary words become violent acts — on the steps of the Reichstag, and now in the Capitol. Contempt of democratic institutions has devastating ramifications,” he wrote on Twitter.

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz is “shocked” by scenes from the US and said “this is an unacceptable assault on democracy. A peaceful and orderly transfer of power must be ensured.”

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen said he is following "with deep concern the populist prodded, anti-democracy attack on the Capitol in Washington, the heart of US democracy," on social media.

"The respect for the results of free elections and the peaceful transfer of government power is the foundation of democracy. I am convinced the US will protect these democratic rules even if the current president hesitates," Van der Bellen added.

Mark Rutte, the Dutch premier, urged Trump to “recognize Joe Biden as the next president today.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is also following the events in the US with great concern.

“Violence is incompatible with the exercise of political rights and democratic freedoms. I trust in the solidity and strength of the institutions of the United States,” he said.

Luigi Di Maio, Italian foreign minister, addressed to the developments in Washington as "a real disgrace to democracy, an attack on the freedoms of the American people."

"We strongly condemn all forms of violence, in the hope that there will be an orderly and peaceful transfer of power as soon as possible," he said.

“Extremely troubled by the violence and horrible events taking place in Washington D.C. American democracy is resilient, deeply rooted and will overcome this crisis,” said the Greek premier Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Twitter.

President of the EU Council Charles Michel said; "The US Congress is a temple of democracy. To witness tonight’s scenes in #WashingtonDC is a shock. We trust the US to ensure a peaceful transfer of power to Joe Biden."

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also demanded respect for the outcome of the US elections.

“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,” he said. “I commend the words of President-elect Joe Biden. The strength of US democracy will prevail over extremist individuals.”

Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, said "I believe in the strength of US institutions and democracy. Peaceful transition of power is at the core," on Twitter. "JoeBiden won the election. I look forward to working with him as the next President of the USA," she continued.

“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,” said the British Foreign Secretary.

Stefan Lofven, Swedish prime minister, called the developments "an attack on democracy" on social media.

"President Trump and many members of Congress have a great responsibility for what is happening now. The democratic process of electing a president must be respected," Lofven said.

Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde expressed concern about the developments.

“The democratic process must be respected and order peacefully restored. US democracy is strong. President Trump has the responsibility to stand up for the democratic process,” she said.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Eriksen Soreide called the events “disturbing, alarming, and an unacceptable attack on democracy” and said Trump has the ”responsibility to ensure that the situation comes under control.”

“The Congress must be able to fulfill its mandate in accordance with the constitution. It is at the very core of a democratic society that the losing party acknowledges the defeat,” she added.

“Very worrying scenes from Washington DC, I am confident that democratic institutions and principles of the rule of law will prevail,” said Edagars Rinkevics, Latvian foreign minister.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian condemned the riots and said the will and vote of the American people must be respected.

“Violence against American institutions is a serious attack on democracy,” he added.

Foreign Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen said "Extremism, violence, polarization and chaos are never the way forward. Horrifying pictures from Washington. May democracy be made to work again," on social media.

"Democracy rests on a peaceful transfer of power: when you lose you must accept defeat," said Spanish foreign minister Arancha Gonzalez and voiced his "full trust in President elect."

Chaotic scenes of thousands of President Donald Trump's supporters clashing with police outside of the federal legislature gave way to even more chaos as protesters overwhelmed law enforcement, breached the Capitol's doors and windows, and eventually made their way to the Senate floor.

Security was seen on photos posted to social media drawing pistols as rioters attempted to breach the House chamber where the voting counting was to take place.

At least one woman was shot amid the ongoing pandemonium, according to video footage aired on national television. She was in critical condition, per reports.