The United States is now the subject of an attempted coup says Armidale based American expat John Malouf who is the University of New England's associate professor - Faculty of Medicine and Health; School of Psychology.
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Professor Malouf said the effort, prompted by Donald Trump, and supported by neo-Nazis and white supremacists, was likely to fail for lack of leadership and coordination.
"The attempt to overthrow the government might have succeeded if the local police and military units had joined in, for instance by arresting Congress for 'treason'," Mr Malouf said.
"They did not.
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"Instead, law enforcement officers fulfilled their oaths and risked their life to defend not just Congress, but democracy in America."
US Vice President Mike Pence, Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell and Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer have addressed Congress, condemning the actions of rioters who stormed the Capitol.
Congress has resumed sitting after representatives evacuated the chamber when Trump supporters forced their way into the building following a speech from the US President repeating false claims the election was stolen.
Representatives have recommenced counting Electoral College votes.
Professor Malouf said he joked on Facebook that the 'folks trying to overthrow the government might want to colour-coordinate'.
"I suggested that they all wear brown shirts," he said.
"I chose that option because of the parallels between the current situation in the US and the events with brown shirts in 1930s Germany."
However, he does not expect the United States to go the way of Nazi Germany anytime soon, he says.
"The history of democracy in the US is a long one, and the hero of American neo-Nazis, Donald Trump, is widely viewed not as the saviour of the nation but as one who has led it to near-ruin," Professor Malouf said.
"As a psychologist, I understand Trump's willingness to do anything to stay in power.
"He lacks scruples, and he expects to go to prison for various crimes if he leaves office."
But Professor Malouf said it was slightly harder to understand the motivations of the Trump followers trying to overthrow the government.
"I have a feeling that most of these individuals see themselves as cheated by life and cheated by the government," he said.
"They can't stand to view themselves as losers.
"They fear living in a country where they have no decent work and no status and where they see foreigners and Blacks getting ahead of them.
"Like Trump, they see themselves as having nothing to lose by trying to overthrow the elected government."
While the rampaging mob in Washington, DC, will not prevail, Professor Malouf said there remained a risk of further violence.
"It is conceivable that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be assassinated in the coming weeks," he said.
"How? By homemade bombs, anti-tank missiles, or Secret Service agents who turn on them.
"I feel sure Biden and Harris are aware of the risk and are taking precautions, such as controlling which Secret Service agents are assigned to protect them."
Professor Malouf grew up in Colorado and spent some years living in Florida before moving to Australia more than a decade ago and said the United States was a nation that is anything but united.
"There are many hate-filled, heavily armed people there," he said.
"There are also many decent individuals in the US, I know a bunch of them.
"On the positive side of recent developments, the Senator elections in Georgia mark a huge step away from racial and religious hate. A former Confederate state just elected to the US Senate a black person and a Jewish person.
"As a result, the liberal-leaning Democrats will soon control the presidency and both houses of Congress."
Former US president Barack Obama has released a statement about the events in Washington, DC, condemning Donald Trump and saying he incited the violent unrest.
"We'd be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise," he said.
Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he was pleased the US Senate had been able to recommence its proceedings.
"We hope for a peaceful and stable transition of government to the new administration elected by the American people," Mr Morrison said.
"This is a difficult time for the United States; clearly, they're a great friend of Australia, and they're one of the world's greatest democracies.
"And so our thoughts are with them and we hope for that peaceful transition to take place."
A number of Trump administration officials announced their resignations from the White House in the aftermath of the violence at The Capitol.
A summary of the days events:
Supporters of Donald Trump violently stormed the US Capitol following a rally he held in Washington DC.
Trump continues to claim the election was stolen from him, further inciting his followers.
Four people died during the riots - one woman was shot and killed and three others died due to medical emergencies.
The objection to Arizona's results was voted down by both houses of Congress.
The House and the Senate will now debate an objection on the votes from Pennsylvania.
The National Guard continues to patrol Washington DC and a 6pm curfew remains in place.
Much of the Captiol building was left covered in shattered glass, doors and furniture were broken and items were stolen.