Capitol: Bush slams political leaders for reckless behaviour

Former President George W. Bush on Wednesday denounced some of his fellow Republicans for fueling the “insurrection” at the US Capitol, likening the situation to a “banana republic.”

“This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic — not our democratic republic,” Bush said in a statement on the “insurrection.”

“I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions and our law enforcement,” Bush said in a barely veiled swipe at President Donald Trump and his supporters who charge without evidence that the November election was rigged.

Trump’s supporters had stormed the Capitol in Washington during a joint session of Congress held to certify Biden’s win, a desperate last-minute bid to overturn the November election that sparked chaos and accusations of a “coup” attempt.

The violence, hours after an extraordinary rally by Trump challenging his defeat, saw flag-waving backers break down barricades outside the Capitol and swarm inside, sending the legislative sessions into an emergency recess.

Extraordinary images showed security personnel barricading the chamber while lawmakers huddled inside wearing gas masks.

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