Trump’s comments directly led to violent mob rioting on Capitol, says Patel
Priti Patel has blamed Donald Trump's incendiary comments for directly provoking violence from a mob loyal to the president as they stormed the US Capitol in an attempt to overturn the election and prevent Joe Biden taking to the White House.
The Home Secretary said the Republican's statement in which he said "We love you" to the rioters and repeated his unproven claims of electoral fraud did "very little to de-escalate the situation", and urged him to condemn their actions.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier called for a "peaceful and orderly transfer of power" after supporters of the outgoing president breached barricades and staged an occupation of the home of American democracy in Washington DC on Wednesday.
Unacceptable and undemocratic scenes in Washington DC. There is no justification for this violence and Donald Trump must condemn it.
The United States is a beacon of democracy, hope and liberty and there must now be an orderly transition of power.
— Priti Patel (@pritipatel) January 6, 2021
Protesters clashed with police, tear gas was dispersed and one woman died after being shot inside the Capitol, while three other people died after suffering "medical emergencies", according to police chief Robert Contee.
Twitter and Facebook temporarily suspended Mr Trump from posting after he published a video statement repeating falsehoods over the validity of the election and urged supporters to "go home" from the house of Congress as politicians met to confirm Mr Biden's victory.
Ms Patel first accused the president of doing "very little to de-escalate the situation" and, during an interview with Sky News, called for him to "absolutely condemn everything that has taken place".
But she went further in a subsequent appearance on BBC Breakfast to blame Mr Trump for fanning the flames and provoking the scenes that marred American democracy.
"His comments directly led to the violence and so far he has failed to condemn that violence and that is completely wrong," the Home Secretary said.
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.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) January 6, 2021
"He basically has made a number of comments yesterday that helped to fuel that violence and he didn't do anything to de-escalate that whatsoever."
Demonstrators forced their way inside the building after a rally was held near the White House where Mr Trump encouraged them to march on Capitol Hill.
The Prime Minister labelled the scenes "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."
Horrendous scenes from the US.
These are not 'protestors' – this a direct attack on democracy and legislators carrying out the will of the American people.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) January 6, 2021
His comments followed condemnation by a host of British politicians from all parties, who described the scenes in Washington as "profoundly shocking" and "utterly horrifying".
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."
