| January 6 United States Capitol attack |
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| Timeline • Planning |
| Background |
| Participants |
| Aftermath |
 2020 U.S. presidential election | |
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| Attempts to overturn | |
| Democratic Party | |
| Republican Party | |
| Third parties | |
| Related races | |
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More than seventy countries and international organizations expressed their concerns over the January 6 United States Capitol attack and condemned the violence, with some specifically condemning President Donald Trump's own role in inciting the attack.[1][2] Foreign leaders, diplomats, politicians, and institutions expressed shock, outrage, and condemnation of the events.[3][4] Multiple world leaders made a call for peace, describing the assault as "an attack on democracy".[5] The leaders of some countries, including Brazil, Poland, and Hungary, declined to condemn the situation, and described it as an internal U.S. affair.[6]
As early as January 2021, a few European security officials described the events as an attempted coup.[7]
Nigeria
South Africa
Uganda
Zimbabwe – President Emmerson Mnangagwa called back to the fact that the Trump administration had "extended painful economic sanctions placed on Zimbabwe, citing concerns about Zimbabwe's democracy ... yesterday's events showed that the U.S. has no moral right to punish another nation under the guise of upholding democracy."[14]
India – Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, "Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests."[15]
Iran
Israel
Japan
Kazakhstan – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called the seizure of the Capitol as "lawlessness and extremism" by protesters and expressed hope that similar measures would be applied to such actions in other countries.[24]
Maldives – Former President of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed wrote on Twitter: "the appalling spectacle at the US Capitol right now, is nothing less than an attempted coup d'état. Having been through one, I know what a coup looks like."[25]
Nepal – The Nepalese government made no official statement. The Kathmandu Post drew parallels between the attempts to overturn the presidential election and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's recent controversial decision to dissolve the House of Representatives.[26]
Pakistan – Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Raoof Hasan, wrote on Twitter: "Even when a dog barks in Pakistan, there is concern expressed about the safety of nukes here. With the assault on Capital Hill, there is deepening concern in Pakistan about the safety of nukes in the US."[27]
Palestine – Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi tweeted that "while people in Palestine & in many other places in the world are struggling to achieve democracy, there are those in the US who are actively sabotaging theirs."[28]
People's Republic of China
Republic of China (Taiwan)[b]
Singapore
South Korea – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement congratulating President-elect Biden "after the U.S. Congress' certification of the Electoral College results on January 7" and further saying the "government looks forward to communicating and cooperating closely with the new Biden administration to further advance" their common goals. The decision not to mention the attack was described in The Diplomat as "curious".[38]
Turkey
Austria
Belarus
Belgium – Prime Minister Alexander De Croo felt "Shock and disbelief at ongoing events at the US Capitol, symbol of American democracy. We trust the strong institutions of the United States will overcome this challenging moment."[49]
Bulgaria
Cyprus – Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides condemned the incident, saying that "the will of the people as freely expressed in elections must be respected."[51]
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece – Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was "extremely troubled by the violence and horrible events taking place in Washington," adding that "American democracy is resilient, deeply rooted and will overcome this crisis."[67]
Holy See – Pope Francis said, "I was astonished because they are people so disciplined in democracy." He continued, "There is always something that isn't working ... (with) people taking a path against the community, against democracy, against the common good."[68]
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy – Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said he "follow(s) with great concern what is happening in Washington. Violence is incompatible with the exercise of political rights and democratic freedoms. I trust in the solidity and strength of the Institutions of the United States."[49]
Lithuania – Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė called the events "sad", but is confident that "democracy will overcome".[77]
Luxembourg
Malta – Speaker of the House of Representatives Angelo Farrugia condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the US House of Representatives. His comments were backed by the MPs Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici and Glenn Bedingfield.[83]
Netherlands – Prime Minister Mark Rutte called the events "horrible" and encouraged Trump to recognise Joe Biden's election win "today".[43]
Norway – Prime Minister Erna Solberg called the events "unbelievable" and a "totally unacceptable attack on democracy".[84]
Poland
Portugal – Prime Minister António Costa said, "I am following developments in #Washington with concern. Disturbing scenes. The outcome of the elections must be respected, with a peaceful and orderly transfer of power. I have trust in the strength of the democratic institutions in the #USA."[49]
Romania – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs labeled the events as "concerning and unacceptable" via a message on Twitter on January 7. It expressed confidence in American democracy, "which should remain a world model", and said it hoped that the situation would de-escalate soon. Other prominent politicians of the country such as Dan Barna, Dacian Cioloș and Marcel Ciolacu also commented on the events, criticizing the attack and evoking comparisons to Romania's chaotic Mineriads of the 1990s.[88]
Russia
Slovakia
Slovenia – Prime Minister Janez Janša tweeted "All should be very troubled by the violence taking place in Washington [and] we hope American democracy is resilient, deeply rooted and will overcome this crisis. Democracy presupposes peaceful protest, but violence and death threats – from Left or Right – are ALWAYS wrong."[54]
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Scotland – First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon said, "The scenes from the Capitol are utterly horrifying." She called for "solidarity with those in US on the side of democracy and the peaceful and constitutional transfer of power".[105]
Wales – First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford said, "The peaceful transition of power is central to every democracy" and that it was "[d]eeply concerning to see the scenes of violence in Washington DC"[106]
Ukraine – Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said, "Concerning scenes in Washington, D.C. I'm confident American democracy will overcome this challenge. The rule of law & democratic procedures need to be restored as soon as possible. This is important not only for the U.S., but for Ukraine and the entire democratic world as well."[49]
Antigua and Barbuda – Sir Ronald Sanders, Ambassador to the United States and Organization of American States, told the Miami Herald "What's happening in the United States is a complete violation of every democratic norm and also of the rule of law in a flagrant attempt to remain in power. Had that occurred in any developing country, indeed in any country of the world, the United States would have been the first to roundly condemn those people, to apply sanctions against those countries and to take action."[108] He further wrote that Trump "openly encouraged a mob to ... carry out what was no less than a coup d'état."[109]
Bahamas – Minister of Foreign Affairs Darren Henfield described the event as an "insurrection” and said America "will find its way".[110]
Belize – The government of Belize condemned the attack and urged the United States government to "ensure a peaceful and lawful transfer of power as constitutionally mandated and which reflects the will of the people freely expressed in free and fair elections".[111]
Canada
Alberta – Premier of Alberta Jason Kenney said the province "has always had close ties to the United States, so it's painful to watch the bizarre scenes unfolding at the U.S. Capitol today."[120]
British Columbia – Premier of British Columbia John Horgan tweeted that "Intimidation cannot be permitted to disrupt democratic institutions," with a small but violent pro-Trump protest also breaking out in the province.[121]
Manitoba – Premier of Manitoba Brian Pallister tweeted: “Respect for the democratic process and the peaceful transition of power is a cornerstone of democracy - as Canadians, we deeply value that. Our thoughts are with those who work in the US Capitol for their safety and for a quick de-escalation of the disturbing situation unfolding.”[122]
Nova Scotia – Premier of Nova Scotia Stephen McNeil said in a news conference from Halifax the day after the attack that he was "shocked" by the scenes that took place at the Capitol and placed the blame on Trump for inciting the attack. He added: "we, as a global community, need a democratic America, one that respects the rule of law in order for all of us to continue to have safety" and was grateful that Biden's victory was ultimately certified by Mike Pence.[123]
Ontario – Premier of Ontario Doug Ford said in a written statement that "The situation in Washington is absolutely disgraceful. The peaceful transfer of power is crucial to any democracy and I'm incredibly disappointed with what we are witnessing in the United States today."[124]
Quebec – Premier of Québec François Legault tweeted in French that the event was "a dark day for American democracy".[125]
Saskatchewan – Premier of Saskatchewan Scott Moe tweeted that the events were "deeply disturbing" and "an affront to the democratic values that we hold sacred".[126]
Costa Rica – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship said, "We are following closely the unfolding events and we trust the solid and democratic institutions of the United States of America, as well as the respect of the rule of law."[127]
Cuba – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, wrote on Twitter: "We reject the serious acts of violence and vandalism perpetrated at the US Congress yesterday. They are an expression of the crisis of the system and a result of long-lasting exclusion, manipulation and political irresponsibility and instigation of hatred."[128]
Dominican Republic – The External Relations Ministry said in a Twitter post that "the Dominican Government condemns the acts of violence that occurred this afternoon in the U.S Capitol, contrary to the country's long democratic tradition. We make the strongest call for an end of violence and for the peaceful transition of power."[129]
Jamaica – Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith said in a Twitter post that "We note with deep concern today's developments in Washington D.C. We continue to follow the events and trust that there will be a prompt return to normalcy in this important neighbour and democracy in the Western Hemisphere."[130]
Mexico – President Andrés Manuel López Obrador stated "conflicts should be resolved peacefully" and that "We're not going to intervene in these matters, which are up to the Americans to resolve, to deal with. That's our policy, that's what I can say."[131] However, he criticized Twitter and Facebook for blocking Trump's accounts.[132]
Trinidad and Tobago – The Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs said, "It is sad and disturbing to witness these scenes of chaos and near-insurrection in Washington DC. I have been in touch with our Embassy staff in that city, and have encouraged our Ambassador and the entire team to stay safe and off the streets."[133]
Panama – the Panamanian Chancellor, Erika Mouynes, lamented the situation, classifying it as "acts of violence" and calling for "democratic values to prevail to safeguard the institutionality and respect the rule of law".[134]
Australia
Fiji – Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said, "The violent scenes we saw in Washington today are an affront to democracies around the globe. True and genuine democracy is a precious treasure that no nation should ever take for granted. We are confident the USA will soon close this ugly chapter once and for all."[139]
Micronesia – President David Panuelo said in a letter that "The People and Government of the Federated States of Micronesia woke up this morning of January 7th, 2021, to watch in abject horror as President Donald J. Trump openly solicited acts of domestic terrorism against the People and Government of the United States of America."[140]
New Zealand
Palau – After the flag of Palau was seen in videos of the attack shared on social media, the Ambassador of Palau to the United States, Hersey Kyota, said that "Peaceful demonstrations are part of democracy, and every person has the right to speak up and participate in that process. This includes thousands of Palauans and Americans of Palauan heritage who call America home. However, the flag of the Republic of Palau has no place in the disorder and unlawful act that took place at the U.S. Capitol."[142]
Argentina – President Alberto Fernández condemned the "serious events of violence and the overrunning of the Congress that occurred today in Washington." He further stated that he "trusts that there will be a peaceful transition that respects the popular will and we express our firmest support to President-elect Joe Biden".[143]
Bolivia
Brazil
Chile – President Sebastián Piñera said, "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 of the state."[49]
Colombia – President Iván Duque said, "we reject the acts of violence seen today during the Electoral College vote counting in the United States Congress and I express my solidarity and support to the honorable members of Congress and to all US institutions."[42]
Ecuador – The Ecuadorian foreign ministry expressed concern and called for all parties to stay calm, be peaceful, and respect democracy.[153]
Peru – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs repudiated the attack and stressed the importance of respecting the electoral process.[154][155]
Uruguay – In a short tweet, President Luis Lacalle Pou expressed his "deepest rejection of the acts of violence that occurred today in the United States Congress, trusting that the democratic values of that nation will prevail against any attempt to undermine its institutions".[156]
Venezuela
ASEAN – Chair of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights Charles Santiago said that Trump had joined other world leaders "in subverting democracy and will of the people".[159]
European Union – EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell said, "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."[43]
European Council – President of the European Council Charles Michel said that "The US Congress is a temple of democracy. To witness tonight's scenes in #WashingtonDC is a shock. We trust the US to ensure a peaceful transfer of power to Joe Biden."[43]
European Commission – President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said, "I believe in the strength of US institutions and democracy. Peaceful transition of power is at the core."[3]
NATO – Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called the scenes at the U.S. Capitol "shocking" on Twitter, and said, "The outcome of this democratic election must be respected."[161]
Organization of American States – The OAS declared that "The exercise of force and vandalism against the institutions constitutes a serious attack against democratic functioning. We urge a return to much-needed rationality and a conclusion of the electoral process in accordance with the Constitution and the corresponding institutional procedures."[43]
Parlatino – The Latin American Parliament condemned the attack, with Parlatino President Jorge Pizarro saying that "democracy and national self-determination are fundamental values that should prevail in our countries."[162]
United Nations
Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom said "I'm thinking of my many friends in the USA & while deeply saddened by the events I also remain confident in the country's spirit & resilience. Tonight I wish for peace & solidarity 'from sea to shining sea.'"[165]
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet released a statement calling for an investigation, saying that her office was "deeply troubled" by the attack. She also condemned attacks on journalists and "call[ed] on leaders from across the political spectrum, including the President of the United States, to disavow false and dangerous narratives".[166][167]
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – Al-Naba, the group's official publication, praised the attack "during a meeting of the tyrants" as "great". The organisation speculated that internal strife in the U.S. would lead the country to dedicate fewer resources to fighting international terrorist groups.[168]
Tunisia – The centrist Mashrou Tounes party leader Mohsen Marzouk said, "Populism is a dangerous disease which can cause serious damage even in the most ancient of democracies," and that the takeaway for Tunisia was the importance of responsibility in public affairs.[169] Israel – Opposition Leader and leader of the centrist Yesh Atid party, Yair Lapid, said he was "deeply saddened and shocked" by the violence at the United States Capitol and that he hopes "to see order restored and the transition of power completed ..."[170]
Lebanon – Secretary-General of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah remarked that the events there "deserved to be pondered and mused over in a bid to clarify what is really going on in the US and to discern the truth behind the claims of democracy in that country".[171][172]
Malaysia – Leader of the opposition and President of the People's Justice Party Anwar Ibrahim condemned the violence and criticized Trump for his "insightful [recte inciteful] language and war-like rhetoric".[173] Republic of China (Taiwan) – Former Kuomintang Chairman Ma Ying-jeou has criticized Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen and Premier Su Tseng-chang for remaining silent on the attack, warning that it might cause the incoming Biden administration to think that Tsai condones the violence.[174] Austria – Freedom Party of Austria leader Norbert Hofer condemned the situation, saying "Rallies must not be used to violently try to fight democratically legitimised decisions." He compared it to protests outside the Austrian Parliament in 2000 against the inclusion of the Freedom Party in the coalition government.[175] Denmark – Danish People's Party leader Kristian Thulesen Dahl said the certification of Biden's electoral victory "must be respected" and the rioters "must be stopped and held accountable".[176] He added that "The vast majority of US citizens do not want violence and trouble in the streets. Do not let the few who do not know the boundaries stand as the image of Americans."[177] Finland – Finns Party leader Jussi Halla-aho condemned "illegal activity everywhere" and praised the resilience of U.S. institutions but downplayed the situation, claiming, "We've seen this kind of brawling and rioting also in other parts of the world."[178] France
Germany
Ireland – Sinn Féin leader and Leader of the Opposition Mary Lou McDonald lambasted the "shameful scenes", which she described as a "direct attack on democracy and the peaceful transfer of power."[76] Italy – Opposition Leader and leader of Lega Nord Matteo Salvini said violence is "never the solution" and "Long live Freedom and Democracy, always and everywhere."[179] He said that although he had ideological sympathy for Trump and the Republican Party, "a legitimate vote is one thing, going to parliament and clashing with the police is quite a different matter. That's not political vision, that's madness."[92] Netherlands – Party for Freedom leader Geert Wilders, who has expressed support for Trump in the past, tweeted his opposition to the attack and stated "The rule of law is stronger than violence. America stands for liberty and freedom, and democracy will always prevail. And the outcome of democratic elections should always be respected, whether you win or lose."[181][179] Russia – Liberal Democratic Party of Russia leader Vladimir Zhirinovsky praised Trump following the situation, tweeting, "Be brave Donald. We're with you, you'll get help from abroad."[182] Spain – Vox leader Santiago Abascal called for the restoration of order and said, "Western democracies have to show their strength against the revolutionary processes that the elites have stupidly promoted." He also accused Deputy Prime Minister Pablo Iglesias of advocating for storming the Spanish Congress of Deputies, and the Catalan government of attacking the Parliament of Catalonia.[183] Sweden
Switzerland – FDP.The Liberals politician Christa Markwalder, chair of the parliamentary group "friendship Switzerland–U.S." and former President of the National Council, called the storm "shocking".[101] United Kingdom
Canada
El Salvador – The Nationalist Republican Alliance condemned the incident, called it a "grave attack against democracy", and compared it to the 2020 Salvadoran political crisis, in which President Nayib Bukele ordered soldiers into the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador.[193] Australia – Opposition Leader and federal leader of the Australian Labor Party Anthony Albanese said, "Democracy is precious and cannot be taken for granted – the violent insurrection in Washington is an assault on the rule of law and democracy."[135] New Zealand – Opposition Leader and leader of the New Zealand National Party Judith Collins stated "What we are seeing in the US is a disgraceful attack on democracy. The [National Party] supports the peaceful and orderly transition of power."[194]The attack was celebrated by far-right and fascist groups around the world, with rioter Ashli Babbitt being commemorated as a martyr by some British and Russian neo-Nazis. The Nordic Resistance Movement condemned Trump for allegedly betraying the rioters by being insufficiently supportive of them.[195]
WNBC reported that media outlets around the world reacted to the attack, with newspapers from both the left and the right condemning the behavior of Trump and his supporters.[196]
British newspaper i described the attack as "Anarchy in the USA.", with the sub-heading: "Trump incites thousands of protestors to storm the Capitol, saying 'We will never concede.'". British newspaper The Times ran the headline: "U.S. Capitol under siege". Both newspapers, among others, featured a photograph of armed Capitol Police officers barricading the door to the chamber of the House of Representatives. British television news channel Sky News led their coverage of the attack with deaths and arrests, running the headline: "Riot at US Capitol: Four dead as outrage grows over Trump-inspired mob's storming of Congress", as well as detailing that 52 arrests had been made related to the attack.[196]
French newspaper Le Monde led their coverage with Capitol Police regaining full control over the Capitol building, noting that "security was no longer threatened" and also noted "'Enough is enough': After the invasion of the Capitol, Republicans close to Trump are turning their backs on him". French newspaper Le Figaro's live blog on the front page of its website led with then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell saying "Congress will not be intimidated."[196]
German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung ran the headline: "Republicans in shock", with a lead noting that "for many Republicans, the moment seems to have come when they no longer want to defend Donald Trump."[196]
Russian news outlets led with mass coverage of "political crisis in the United States", as Russian tabloid Komsomolskaya Pravda put it. Russian government-owned newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta led with online rolling coverage on the "chaos" in Washington, D.C. next to a comment from Konstantin Kosachev, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Federation Council, saying that the attack "showed that American democracy was limping on both legs and the United States lost the right to impose a course on other countries." Russian newspaper Izvestia led its coverage with the headline: "Once upon a time in America: how Donald Trump drove the crowd to frenzy", with a lead stating that "Party members began to turn away from the current president amid the outbreak of violence in Washington."[196]
The Communist Party of China's (CPC) newspaper, the People's Daily, had little coverage of the attack on their website's homepage. However, the Global Times, a Chinese tabloid newspaper run by the People's Daily, headlined its website with: "Chinese netizens jeer riot in U.S. Capitol as 'Karma,' say bubbles of 'democracy and freedom' have burst.", with the article saying that "words like 'Karma,' 'retribution' and 'deserving' were frequently mentioned in Chinese netizens' comments when they saw the latest episode of the U.S.' real version of House of Cards."[196]
The West Australian reported that "Newspapers around the world have reacted to the ugly scenes that marred Joe Biden's certification as the next US president", including "coverage from Canada, the UK, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, France and Brazil."[197]
Brazilian newspaper Folha de S.Paulo ran the headline: "inflated by Trump, crowd invades and vandalises Congress". Le Monde headlined its coverage of the attack with: "Trump provokes chaos in Washington as Biden is reinforced by a majority in the senate." Canadian newspaper the Ottawa Sun's front page was headlined: "Anarchy". British newspaper The Guardian ran the headline: "Chaos as pro-Trump mob storms US Capitol." Saudi Arabian newspaper Arab News and the Nigerian Tribune also dedicated their front pages to the attack.[197]
CNN paid tribute to several newspapers worldwide who ran images, headlines, and articles describing the attack on their front pages.[197][198]
Russian state media reports criticized the United States government following the attack.[199] Chinese state media drew parallels between the attack and the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests and cast the incident as "karma" and "retribution" for the United States government supporting color revolutions around the world.[199][200]
