Scott Morrison condemns violent US Capitol riots

Scott Morrison has condemned the violent riots in the US as “heartbreaking and distressing” but declined to directly criticise Donald Trump.

Pro-Trump rioters have stormed the US Capitol building to prevent politicians rubberstamping Joe Biden’s election victory. Picture: Saul Loeb / AFP

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has condemned the violent riots on the US Congress by supporters of outgoing US President Donald Trump, describing them as “terribly distressing”.

Australian political leaders past and present have called for a peaceful transfer of power in the US, after supporters of Mr Trump stormed the US Capitol.

The violent riots meant a proceeding to rubberstamp Joe Biden’s election victory was temporarily suspended, in scenes the Prime Minister described as “heartbreaking”.

Pro-Trump rioters have stormed the US Capitol building to prevent politicians rubberstamping Joe Biden’s election victory.

“The riots and protests we’ve seen in Washington DC have been terribly distressing. They’re very concerning,” Mr Morrison told reporters in Canberra.

“I’m pleased the Senate has been able to recommence their proceedings. We hope for a peaceful and stable transition of government to the new administration elected by the American people.

“This is a difficult time for the United States, clearly. They’re a great friend of Australia and they’re one of the world’s greatest democracy.

“Our thoughts are with them, and we hope for that peaceful transition to take place.”

Scott Morrison has called for an end to ‘distressing’ scenes from Washington DC, but stopped short of condemning Donald Trump. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

However Mr Morrison stopped short of condemning the outgoing President, who has falsely claimed the November election was marred by widespread voter fraud.

When asked whether President Trump held some responsibility for undermining democracy and inciting some of the chaotic scenes, Mr Morrison would only say: “I’m not going to offer any more comment than he one I’ve already made on this issue.”

The Prime Minister said he would “not offer a running commentary” on foreign leaders, but noted his US counterpart had urged rioters to return home peacefully.

Mr Morrison also refused to criticise Coalition backbencher George Christensen, who has consistently parroted Mr Trump’s unsubstantiated claim.

“Australia’s a free country. There’s such a thing as freedom of speech in this country, and that will continue,” he said.

Democracy is precious and cannot be taken for granted - the violent insurrection in Washington is an assault on the rule of law and democracy. Donald Trump has encouraged this response and must now call on his supporters to stand down. https://t.co/h8uHrgJuVN

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) January 6, 2021

Labor leader Anthony Albanese went further in his criticisms, directly accusing President Trump of stoking the violence and describing Thursday’s events as an “effective insurrection”.

“What’s unfolding in Washington is a great tragedy for the great democracy that is the United States of America,” he told reporters on Thursday.

“There is no doubt that both the words and actions of Donald Trump have encouraged this activity. It is a real concern.

“All those who are supporters of democracy need to speak out in favour of it. Democracy is precious. It shouldn’t be taken for granted, it should be defended anywhere in the world.

Lawmakers were evacuated as rioters stormed Capitol Hill in ‘heartbreaking’ scenes. Picture: Drew Angerer / Getty Images / AFP

“We look towards the United States, it is our most important ally. I’m sure the institutions of the United States will remain strong and we’ll get through this.

“We simply can’t have circumstances whereby you have effectively an insurrection which is about overturning democratic processes.”

Labor’s official Twitter account took aim at the Prime Minister, attacking Mr Morrison over his relationship with Mr Trump in a post captioned: “It’s the company you keep”.

It's the company you keep. pic.twitter.com/nAOaNWnMSF

— Australian Labor (@AustralianLabor) January 6, 2021

Immigration Minister Alex Hawke has lashed the post as “poor form”, saying all Australian prime ministers sought co-operation with their US counterparts.

Mr Morrison’s predecessor Malcolm Turnbull, who endured a difficult relationship with Mr Trump, said the Republican Party had enabled its leader’s authoritarian tendencies.

“Today’s mob violence at the Capitol is the culmination of Trump’s sustained assault on American democracy,” he tweeted.

A woman was shot and killed during chaotic scenes on Capitol Hill.

“The President should call on the mob he incited to disperse and go home. And Trump’s supporters in the GOP and the media should reflect on what they have enabled.”