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<\/p>\nForeign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta is condemning the riots taking place in the US Capitol, saying “violence has no place in thwarting democracy”.<\/p>\n
“We regret unfolding events in Washington DC. Our thoughts are with the American people,” she said in a tweet.<\/p>\n
“We look forward to the peaceful transition of the political administration, which is the hallmark of democracy. Kia tau ng\u0101 manaakitanga.”<\/p>\n
Her comments come after former Prime Minister Helen Clark condemned the riots.<\/p>\n
“Never in one’s wildest imagination could one have envisaged the dangerous events involving mob violence unfolding in Washington DC today,” Clark said on Twitter this morning.<\/p>\n
“An invasion of the premises of a democratic legislature anywhere is an affront to democracy and the rule of law and must be condemned as such.”<\/p>\n
Her comments are in response to the US Capitol Building \u2013 which houses the US’ main centre of Government \u2013 being stormed by pro-Trump rioters.<\/p>\n
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They have made their way to the Senate floor and have clashed with the few police on the scene \u2013 the National Guard has been called in.<\/p>\n
Speaking to the Herald, National leader Judith Collins said what was happening in the US at the moment was “a disgraceful attack on democracy”.<\/p>\n
“We support a peaceful and orderly transition of power.”<\/p>\n
Earlier in the day, senators and Vice-President Mike Pence have been evacuated but there are still a number of officials and journalists within the building.<\/p>\n
There are reports of some of the rioters breaking into the heavily fortified office of Speaker Nancy Pelosi.<\/p>\n
She has demanded that outgoing President Donald Trump call on the rioters to leave the Capitol Building.<\/p>\n
So far, however, Trump has refused to do so despite the fact the riots have been on-going for hours.<\/p>\n
But in a tweet, he did say: “I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order \u2013 respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue.”<\/p>\n
His tweets have come under fire for not explicitly asking the rioters to leave the building.<\/p>\n
Trump has just 14 days left in the top job but for months he has been baselessly claiming the election was rigged.<\/p>\n
He will be replaced by Joe Biden – who told reporters that what was happening was nothing short of an “assault on the rule of law” and an “assault on democracy”.<\/p>\n
He called on the “mob to pull back” and allow democracy to go forward and for Trump to “fulfil his oath” and demand an end to this siege.<\/p>\n
The protesters are attempting to stop Congress from affirming President-elect Biden’s victory in the November presidential election.<\/p>\n
Congress was due to officially count the Electoral College votes – normally a formality – this morning (NZT).<\/p>\n