‘I’m outraged by violence’ — Trump returns after Twitter ban with plea for national healing
US President Donald Trump has finally condemned the chaos caused by his supporters at Capitol Hill.
Supporters of Trump, on Wednesday, overrun the legislative building while lawmakers were in the process of certifying Joe Biden’s victory in the November 3 presidential election.
The protesters had marched to the building after they were addressed by Trump, disrupting the event and forcing lawmakers to abandon the certifying process.
The action has been widely condemned with many accusing Trump of inciting the mob.
Federal lawmakers have also demanded Trump’s removal from office with 37 members of the US house of representatives indicating interest in an article seeking to impeach him.
However, in a video posted on his Twitter page which was locked for 12 hours owing to the violence, Trump said he was outraged by the lawlessness, adding that those who infiltrated “the seat of America’s democracy” will pay for their actions.
“Like all Americans, I am outraged by the violence, lawlessness, and mayhem,” he said.
“I immediately deployed the national guard and federal law enforcement to secure the building and expel the intruder. America is and must always be a nation of law and order.
“The demonstrators who infiltrated the Capitol have defied the seat of American democracy. To those who engaged in acts of violence and destruction… you do not represent our country. And to those who broke the law, you will pay.
“We’ve just been through an intense election and emotions are high but now tempers must be cooled and calm restored. We must get on with the business of America.
“My campaign vigorously pursued very legal avenue to contest the election result. My only goal was to ensure the integrity of the election and in so doing, I was fighting to defend America’s democracy.
“I continue to believe that we must reform our election laws to verify the identity and eligibility above others and to ensure faith and confidence in all future elections.”
The US president also promised a smooth transition to Biden.
“Now congress has certified the results, a new administration will be inaugurated on Jan. 20. My focus now turns to ensuring an orderly and seamless transition of power,” he said.
“This moment calls for healing and reconciliation.”
To his “wonderful supporters”, he said: “I know you are disappointed but I also want you to know that our incredible journey is only just beginning.”
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