US Capitol attack: Leaders condemn mob’s ‘assault on democracy’

Political leaders past and present have condemned the storming of the US Capitol on Thursday.

Scott Morrison described the mob violence as ‘distressing’. Picture: Gary Ramage

Political leaders past and present have condemned the storming of the US Capitol on Thursday.

Scott Morrison said he wished the “distressing” scenes that came out of Washington would end.

“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,” the Prime Minister tweeted on Thursday.

While Mr Morrison labelled the protests “disturbing”, he did not directly criticise Donald Trump. However, Anthony Albanese said the US President must take some responsibility, and former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull described Mr Trump as a “big bully”, saying he had the type of personality that would penalise someone if they didn’t obey him.

“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,” Mr Turnbull tweeted.

In the US, all of the living former presidents denounced the shockingly violent scenes.

George W. Bush called out his fellow Republicans for fuelling the “insurrection”, likening the situation to a “banana republic”.

“I am appalled by the reckless behaviour of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions and our law enforcement,” Mr Bush said in a clear swipe at Mr Trump.

Barack Obama also blamed Republicans and Mr Trump, “who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election”. Mr Trump’s most recent predecessor called the incident “a moment of great dishonour and shame for our nation”, adding: “But we’d be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise.”

Mr Obama called the violent storming of the Capitol “the consequences” of Mr Trump and his supporters refusing to accept the results of last year’s election.

Bill Clinton denounced the riot as an attack on the US Capitol and on the nation ­itself.

“Today we faced an unprecedented assault on our Capitol, our constitution, and our country,” the Democrat said. “The match was lit by Donald Trump and his most ardent enablers — including many in congress — to overturn the results of an election he lost.”

The oldest member of the exclusive club, 96-year-old Democrat Jimmy Carter, said he was “troubled” by the riot, which he called a “national tragedy”.

“We join our fellow citizens in praying for a peaceful resolution so our ­nation can heal and complete the transfer of power, as we have for more than two centuries,” Mr Carter said.