NATO, European Leaders Voice Concern About US Events

The head of NATO and European leaders voiced concerned after supporters of American President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol as lawmakers were set to sign off Wednesday on President-elect Joe Biden's electoral victory.

"Shocking scenes in Washington, D.C. The outcome of this democratic election must be respected," said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Twitter.

British premier Boris Johnson called the events "disgraceful" and said the US "stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power."

"I am following with concern the news that are coming from Capitol Hill in Washington. I trust in the strength of America's democracy," said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. "The new Presidency of Joe Biden will overcome this time of tension, uniting the American people."

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas urged that "Trump and his supporters should finally accept the decision of the American voters and stop trampling democracy."

"Enemies of democracy will be happy to see these inconceivable images in WashingtonDC. Incendiary words become violent acts — on the steps of the Reichstag, and now in the Capitol. Contempt of democratic institutions has devastating ramifications," he wrote on Twitter.

Chaotic scenes of thousands of President Donald Trump's supporters clashing with police outside of the federal legislature gave way to even more chaos as protesters overwhelmed law enforcement, breached the Capitol's doors and windows, and eventually made their way to the Senate floor.

Security was seen on photos posted to social media drawing pistols as rioters attempted to breach the House chamber where the voting counting was to take place.

At least one woman was shot amid the ongoing pandemonium, according to video footage aired on national television. She is in critical condition, per reports. -