The US Consul General has condemned violence in the wake of an invasion of the heart of American government by backers of President Donald Trump.

Lee Rizzuto, a supporter of Mr Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, tweeted on Friday in the aftermath of rioters storming the US Capitol in Washington DC.

Writing as USConsulate Hamilton, Mr Rizzuto posted on Twitter: “Freedom of speech is a critical component of a vibrant, functioning democracy and this freedom is enshrined in the First Amendment to the US Constitution.

“This past year we witnessed unfortunate actions around the country that goes beyond peaceful protesting.”

He was speaking after a mob launched an unsuccessful attempt to block the Senate’s confirmation of President-elect Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 presidential election.

Mr Trump has maintained he won the poll but that he was denied through fraud.

Police protecting the Capitol were overwhelmed and senators evacuated as rioters breached the building and the Senate chamber.

Several people, including a Capitol police officer, died as a result of the insurrection.

Mr Rizzuto, who took up the post in Bermuda six months ago as a presidential appointment, has yet to comment on his prospects of keeping the job after Mr Trump steps down later this month.

Mr Rizzuto also tweeted “We must set the examples of character and integrity and move forward with hope, peace and unity as our democracy continues to show strength and resilience.”

He added: “Let us also give recognition and support to those empowered to protect us for their untiring efforts and bravery.”