Sturgeon condemns 'utterly horrifying' scenes at US Capitol

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has described scenes at the US Capitol in Washington as “utterly horrifying”.

Sturgeon tweeted after images from the United States showed supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump storming the US Capitol building, as police scrambled to evacuate politicians inside.

Sturgeon said: “The scenes from the Capitol are utterly horrifying. Solidarity with those in (the United States of America) on the side of democracy and the peaceful and constitutional transfer of power.

“Shame on those who have incited this attack on democracy.”

The scenes from the Capitol are utterly horrifying. Solidarity with those in 🇺🇸 on the side of democracy and the peaceful and constitutional transfer of power. Shame on those who have incited this attack on democracy.
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) January 6, 2021

The protests, encouraged by Trump, turned violent on Wednesday – with police forced to lock down the building after supporters broke in.

The debate in the House chamber – to confirm Joe Biden’s election win – has been suspended after rioters made their way into the room.

Photographs from inside show politicians ducking for cover while police guard windows to the room with guns drawn.

The end of @realDonaldTrump Presidency cannot come quick enough. What a legacy the events of today are to his time in office. Shameful, shocking an affront to democracy.
— Ian Blackford (@Ianblackford_MP) January 6, 2021

The SNP’s Westminster leader Ian Blackford described events in Washington as “an affront to democracy”.

“The end of @realDonaldTrump Presidency cannot come quick enough,” he tweeted.

“What a legacy the events of today are to his time in office. Shameful, shocking an affront to democracy.

“The end of @realDonaldTrump Presidency cannot come quick enough. What a legacy the events of today are to his time in office. Shameful, shocking an affront to democracy.”