Former Vice President Joe Biden backed Venezuelan Interim President Juan Guaidó on Tuesday afternoon, who is fighting to gain control of the country.
Guaido called for a military uprising, named Operacion Libertad, against socialist dictator Nicholas Maduro on Tuesday. Venezuelans have been protesting against him for months, and the United States has declared his rule to be illegitimate. (RELATED: Firefights In Venezuelan Capital As Military Uprising Ensues)
“The violence in Venezuela today against peaceful protesters is criminal. Maduro’s regime is responsible for incredible suffering,” Biden tweeted. “The U.S. must stand with the National Assembly & Guaidó in their efforts to restore democracy through legitimate, internationally monitored elections.”
The protests met with widespread military force, which included videos of tanks running over people.
Biden’s stance is in line with that of the Trump administration.
“I am monitoring the situation in Venezuela very closely,” Trump tweeted Tuesday. “The United States stands with the People of Venezuela and their Freedom!” (RELATED: Firefights In Venezuela Capital Amid Military Uprising)
BREAKING: Video shows armored military vehicle slamming into pro-Guaidó protesters amid unrest in Caracas. https://t.co/QfbZwt8BjK pic.twitter.com/ezSKYJef5c
— NBC News (@NBCNews) April 30, 2019
National Security Advisor John Bolton reiterated to reporters Tuesday that “all options are on the table” regarding Venezuela.