Trudeau says 'shocking' riot in Washington was incited by Trump

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said todaythis week'sattackon Capitol Hill was a "shocking" event that was "incited" by President Donald Trump.

"What we witnessed was an assault on democracy by violent rioters, incited by the current president and other politicians," he said during an address outside his residence at Rideau Cottage.

"As shocking, deeply disturbing, and frankly saddening as that event remains,we have also seen this week that democracy is resilient in America, our closest ally and neighbour. Violence has no place in our societies, and extremists will not succeed in overruling the will of the people."

Trudeau said the words used by political leaders have a direct impact on individuals'behaviourand institutions, adding that everyone heard what the president said before the "horrific" events unfolded.

During a rally in Washington on Wednesday, Trump encouraged thousands of supporters tomarch to the Capitol to protest the pending certification of the electoral college vote.

WATCH /Justin Trudeau on Trump's role in Capitol Hill riot:

Trudeau calls the U.S. Capitol attack 'an assault on democracy by violent rioters, incited by the current president'

4 years ago

Duration 3:15

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticized U.S. President Donald Trump during a media briefing on Friday with reporters.

"We will stop the steal," he told the crowd.

A mob of rioters then invaded the Capitol building, prompting members of Congress and staffers to hide for their own safety.

Trump won't retract claims of rigged election

After expressions of outrage byDemocrats and manyRepublicans,and as calls to remove him from office mounted, Trump finally denounced Wednesday's violence that left five people dead, including a police officer.

In a video released late Thursday, he called the attack "heinous" andpromised a smooth and orderly transition of power later this month. He did not, however, take back his claimthat the election was fraudulent.

Trudeau said the events in the U.S. are a reminder that democracy is not "automatic" and that no one shouldtake it for granted in this country.

"We know that, even as we watch with extreme concern everything unfolding in the United States over these past few days ...we are not immune to that in Canada," he said.

'The choices we make ... have consequences'

"We have a responsibility as Canadians to continue to lead with respect, to engage substantially with different points of view and to never resort to violence as a way of impacting public discourse. That is something that Canadians have recommitted to across the country over these past days and we will continue to be extremely vigilant to remember that the choices we make as leaders, as politicians, have consequences."

WATCH / Justin Trudeau on Trump's final days in office:

Trudeau is asked if he expected 'Donald Trump's presidency to end this way'

4 years ago

Duration 3:01

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with reporters, including the CBC's Tom Parry, outside Rideau Cottage on Friday.

The events in the U.S. have raised questions about the potential threat posed byfar-right groups in Canada.

Calling the riot "an act of domestic terrorism," NDPLeader Jagmeet Singh called on the federal government to designate the Proud Boys whose members played a visible role in Wednesday's events as a terrorist organization. The NDPhas launched a petition and is pressing Trudeau again after the prime ministeroffered a non-committal replywhen asked about listing the group today.

"It's more urgent than ever to keep pushing," Singhsaid on Twitter.

Mary-Liz Power, spokesperson for Public Safety Minister Bill Blair, was critical of the group but did not say if the Proud Boys would be added to Canada's list of terrorist entities.

"We strongly denounce organizations, such as the Proud Boys, who advance misogynistic, white supremacist beliefs and glorify violence. Intolerance and hate have no place in our society," she said in a mediastatement.

Government tracking evolving security threats

"Our greatest responsibility is keeping Canadians safe. To fulfilthat responsibility, our government and agencies must keep pace with evolving threats and globaltrends, such as white supremacy."

Power noted that two white supremacistand ideologically motivated violent extremist groups Blood & Honour and Combat 18 were added to Canada's list of terrorist entities for the first time in 2019.

"The listing demonstrates that our security agencies are alert to evolving threats and will not hesitate to take necessary action. The listing process is always ongoing and when an organization has been found to meet the Criminal Code threshold, they will be added," she said.

Watch:John Bolton says removing Trump from office could make things worse:

John Bolton says removing Trump from office could make things worse

4 years ago

Duration 13:39

Former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton says he thinks Trump is completely responsible for inciting the pro-Trump mob that stormed Capitol Hill on Wednesday.

Other world leaders alsohave called out Trump for provoking this week's violence.

German Chancellor Angela Merkelsaid the outgoing president "stoked uncertainties" about the election outcome, creating an atmosphere that made the siegepossible.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Trump"encouraged" people to storm the Capitoland said his continued efforts to cast doubt on a free and fair electionwere"completely wrong."