Scott Morrison condemns violent Trump supporters who stormed US Congress

Scott Morrison has condemned Trump supporters who stormed the US congress to stop the transition of power to Joe Biden.

The prime minister tweeted: ‘Very distressing scenes at the US Congress. We condemn these acts of violence and look forward to a peaceful transfer of Government to the newly elected administration in the great American democratic tradition.’

Dozens of Trump supporters breached the security perimeter and entered the Capitol on Wednesday afternoon as Congress voted to affirm Biden‘s presidential win.

A woman was shot in the chest and later died. Pictured: Police try to revive her in the Capitol

Supporters of President Donald Trump climb the west wall of the the US Capitol on Wednesday

A female Trump supporter was shot in the chest and later died, although it was not clear who shot her.

Dozens of police were also reportedly injured in the violence and at least one suspected explosive device was found.

Australia’s allies have also condemned the carnage, including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson who tweeted: ‘Disgraceful scenes in US 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.’ 

As protesters continued to occupy the Capitol hours after the violence unfolded, President-elect Joe Biden called for the ‘mob to pull back’ and said the uprising bordered on sedition.

Trump – after remaining silent for much of the afternoon – told his ‘very special’ supporters inside the Capitol that he loves them and understands their pain but urged them ‘to go home’.

He had initially urged his supporters to march to the Capitol after a rally earlier in the afternoon before only asking them to remain peaceful when violence broke out.

As the protesters broke down police barricades and stormed into the Rotunda, Mike Pence, Nancy Pelosi and other congressional leaders were whisked to safety.

Lawmakers cowering inside the House Chamber were urged to put on gas masks as tear gas was fired in the Rotunda.

Officers at the front door of the chamber had their guns drawn as a protester tried to break down the door. 

Eventually, the Capitol was cleared and a curfew was imposed banning people in Washington DC from the streets.

A protester walks through Congress carrying Nancy Pelosi’s lectern after storming the Capitol

An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump gather in front of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday evening