“This is not dissent. It’s disorder. It’s chaos. It borders on sedition and it must end now,” said President-elect Joe Biden.
“Today’s violent assault on our Capitol, an effort to subjugate American democracy by mob rule, was fomented by Mr. Trump,” said James Mattis, former defense secretary under Trump.
“Not everyone storming the Capitol is QAnon, but make no mistake: this wouldn’t have happened without QAnon, the politicians and partisan media figures who cynically embraced it, and the platforms that amplified it for years,” said Kevin Roose, a New York Times tech columnist.
From former leaders
“The damage to our Capitol is far greater than bricks and glass. The very idea that a group of terrorist Americans can physically attack our government institutions is abhorrent,” said Former Gov. Madeleine Kunin
“All I know is that now is a time for true patriotism. Now is the time for those who voted for this president to see the reality of what they’ve supported — and publicly and forcefully rebuke him and the actions of that mob. [The riots] left me with so many questions — questions about the future, questions about security, extremism, propaganda, and more. But there’s one question I just can’t shake: What if these rioters had looked like the folks who go to Ebenezer Baptist Church every Sunday? What would have been different? I think we all know the answer,” said former First Lady Michelle Obama.
“History will rightly remember today’s violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation. But we’d be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise. For two months now, a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem has too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth — that this was not a particularly close election and that President-Elect Biden will be inaugurated on January 20. Their fantasy narrative has spiraled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of sown resentments. Now we’re seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo. said former President Barack Obama
“[I am] appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions and our law enforcement.” said former President George W. Bush
“Rosalynn and I are troubled by the violence at the U.S. Capitol today. Having observed elections in troubled democracies worldwide, I know that we the people can unite to walk back from this precipice to peacefully uphold the laws of our nation, and we must. 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.” said Former President Jimmy Carter
“The assault was fueled by more than four years of poison politics spreading deliberate misinformation, sowing distrust in our system, and pitting Americans against one another…. 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 election was free, the count was fair, the result was final. We must complete the peaceful transfer of power our Constitution mandates,” said Former Bill Clinton
“I couldn’t believe it. It looked like capital in Caracas or Minsk or somewhere other than the United States of America. I was appalled at the scene that unfolded on Wednesday. I think all Americans are, or ought to be. I hope we can find a way forward that will turn this tragic episode into something positive. And already I’ve seen reports online of some Republican U.S. senators regretting not pushing back against the president earlier in his tenure. So maybe if they start working together in a more constructive way, then than families like Colby’s and other Americans can engage once again with people of different points of view,” said Former California Gov. Arnold Schwartzenegger
From Vermonters
“The President should not hold office for 1 more day. Here are the 3 options:
1.)Resignation (he won’t)
2.)25th amendment invoked
3.)House and Senate reconvene to impeach
This needs to happen. I will support whichever method removes him fastest.” said Rep. Peter Welch.
“Some people ask: Why would you impeach and convict a president who has only a few days left in office? The answer: Precedent. It must be made clear that no president, now or in the future, can lead an insurrection against the U.S. government,” said Senator Bernie Sanders.
“[Recent] events at the U.S. Capitol have left me speechless. The chaos and turmoil are unfathomable. As a determined optimist, I cling to the hope that we will see our way through this time,” said Champlain College president Benjamin Akande.
“The criminals who injured people, defiled the Nation’s Capitol, and destroyed thousands of dollars’ worth of property should be prosecuted for their felonies. And Senators tonight should and are reconvening without delay to resume the electoral count. President Trump doesn’t want to accept defeat, so he instead promotes delusional conspiracy theories and encourages felonies. But the Senate has a job to do. We must protect the Constitution and prepare for the new President. It’s the American way, and the American people deserve nothing less.” said Senator Patrick Leahy
“President Trump has incited an egregious attack on our democracy, and on the very public servants who work so diligently to protect and uphold our liberty. My thoughts are with our Vermont delegation and their dedicated staff. If ever there were a need for Vermont values in Washington, it is now. Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of a resilient democracy, and the President has executed a relentless agenda to erode public faith in Government and to attack our most valuable principles of truth and equity” said Lieut. Gov. Molly Gray
“Our so-called leaders in Washington have a responsibility to reign-in the recklessness that has been promoted, incited, and encouraged from among the most important offices in the nation. This cannot be allowed to happen again,” said Vermont House Minority Leader Pattie McCoy (R-Poultney)
“This tragic and chaotic action certainly tarnishes our nation’s reputation abroad and is not reflective of the values that we as a nation and as an organization aspire to. Democratic values have been under attack for years but our international efforts to promote democracy and advocate for the peaceful transition of power will be more challenging than ever. But this is no time to despair. Local and state officials counted the votes accurately. The rule of law prevailed as our courts demonstrated independence and impartiality in responding to unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud. And, our Congress did not bend when faced with extreme intimidation and certified the votes of the electors,” said Peter Clavelle and Patricia Preston from the Vermont Council on World Affairs.
From foreign leaders
“Canadians are deeply disturbed and saddened by the attack on democracy in the United States, our closest ally and neighbour. Violence will never succeed in overruling the will of the people. Democracy in the US must be upheld – and it will be” said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“These pictures made me angry and sad. But I am sure: American democracy will prove to be much stronger than the aggressors and rioters.” said Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel.
“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,” said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson
“The scenes from the Capitol are utterly horrifying. Solidarity with those in [the United States] on the side of democracy and the peaceful and constitutional transfer of power. Shame on those who have incited this attack on democracy.” said Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister.
“The situation in #WashingtonDC is deeply disturbing and alarming, and an unacceptable attack on democracy. President Trump has a particular responsibility to ensure that the situation comes under control,” said Eriksen Soreide, the foreign affairs minister from Norway.
“Turkey invites all parties in US to use moderation, common sense to overcome this domestic political crisis. We are following the domestic developments with concern that took place after the US Presidential elections and demonstrator’s attempt to raid the Congress building today. We invite all parties in the USA to temperance and common sense. We believe that the USA will overcome this domestic political crisis in maturity. We recommend that our citizens in the USA stay away from crowded places and places where shows are held,” said the Anadolu Agency, Turkish state state media service.
“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,” said Josep Borrell Fontelles, the high representative of the EU for foreign affairs and security.
“Colombia has full confidence in the solidity of the institutions of the United States of America, as well as in the values of respect for democracy and the rule of law shared by our countries since the beginning of our republican life,” said President of Colombia, Iván Duque.
“Chile rejects actions aimed at altering the democratic process in the United States and condemns violence and undue interference with constitutional institutions. Chile relies on the strength of US democracy to guarantee the rule of law and the rule of law,” said Sebastian Piñera, the president of Chile.
“Venezuela expresses its concern over the acts of violence that are taking place in the city of Washington, USA; condemns political polarization and aspires that the American people can blaze a new path toward stability and social justice,” said Jorge Arreaza, the foreign affairs minister in Venezuela.
“When a sick person takes office, we see how he disgraces his country and creates troubles for the world. I hope this is a lesson for the whole world and for the next rulers of the White House, who will take power in two weeks, to come and make amends and return their country to the position that the great nation of America should have,” said Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.
