Priti Patel calls on Trump supporters to ‘move on’ as she condemns ‘appalling’ violence

Trump: Priti Patel condemns 'appalling' Washington violence

The Home Secretary also called on outgoing US President Donald Trump to condemn the violence from his supporters who stormed the Capitol in scenes marring American democracy. She told Sky News: “The violence should stop and he should absolutely condemn everything that has taken place.

“There’s no question about that at all. Someone was shot, people have died, this is terrible. Terrible beyond words quite frankly and there is no justification for it.”

Pressed to criticise the president’s involvement in flaring tensions, she said: “He made a statement yesterday and it did very little to de-escalate the situation.

“Words of provocation are completely wrong and quite frankly every aspect of the violence and the activities took place should be condemned.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also called for a “peaceful and orderly transfer of power” in the United States after violent protesters stormed the Capitol and interrupted politicians’ formal approval of Joe Biden’s presidential election win.

In chaotic scenes, supporters of President Donald Trump breached barricades and staged an occupation of the building in Washington DC on Wednesday.

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Protesters clashed with police, tear gas was dispersed and one woman later died after being shot inside the US Capitol.

Demonstrators forced their way inside after a rally was held near the White House where Mr Trump encouraged them to march on Capitol Hill.

Boris Johnson labelled the scenes as “disgraceful”.

He tweeted: “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.”

His comments followed condemnation from a host of British politicians from all parties who described the scenes in Washington as “profoundly shocking” and “utterly horrifying”.

Washington: Trump supporters clash with police in Capitol Building

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called them “horrendous”, tweeting: “These are not ‘protesters’ – this a direct attack on democracy and legislators carrying out the will of the American people.”

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab tweeted: “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.”

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted that the scenes were “utterly horrifying”, adding: “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.”

Mr Trump previously urged his supporters to travel to Washington to protest against Congress’ approval of Mr Biden’s November presidential election victory.

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As protesters attacked the Capitol, both chambers of Congress were forced into recess as they debated the Electoral College vote that handed Mr Biden the presidency.

Mr Trump initially tweeted to ask his supporters to “remain peaceful” before posting a video asking protesters to “go home”.

But he also used the video to claim that the election was “fraudulent” and that he feels supporters’ “pain”.

Twitter removed the retweet, like and reply functions on the video post “due to a risk of violence”, before locking his account and demanding the removal of the clip and two other posts.

Four people have been confirmed dead as a result of the protest. 

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