Melania Trump Condemns Capitol Riots

First lady Melania Trump released a statement condemned the rioters who breached the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday in an attempt to stop Congress from certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s win and extending her condolences for lives lost during the chaos. 

“I am disappointed and disheartened with what happened last week,” Melania said in a 600-word statement posted on the White House website and shared on her First Lady Twitter account early Monday morning. 

“Our Nation must heal in a civil manner. Make no mistake about it, I absolutely condemn the violence that has occurred on our Nation’s Capitol. Violence is never acceptable,” she added.

Following the “Save America” rally where President Trump gave remarks on the National Mall, thousands of Trump’s supporters marched on the Capitol. Some in the crowd stormed their way inside the Capitol complex by breaking a window, forcing lawmakers, staff and reporters including Vice President Mike Pence to shelter in a hideout for over 6 hours in both the House and Senate buildings. 

In her first comments breaking her silence on the riot in nearly a week, Melania urged Americans to “listen to one another, focus on what unites us, and rise above what divides us” following the chaos. 

“As an American, I am proud of our freedom to express our viewpoints without persecution. It is one of the paramount ideals which America is fundamentally built on. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect that right. With that in mind, I would like to call on the citizens of this country to take a moment, pause, and look at things from all perspectives,” Melania said.

She added, “I implore people to stop the violence, never make assumptions based on the color of a person’s skin or use differing political ideologies as a basis for aggression and viciousness. We must listen to one another, focus on what unites us, and rise above what divides us. It is inspiring to see that so many have found a passion and enthusiasm in participating in an election, but we must not allow that passion to turn to violence. Our path forward is to come together, find our commonalities, and be the kind and strong people that I know we are.”

Melania stated it “has been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your first lady.”

“I want to thank the millions of Americans who supported my husband and me over the past 4 years and shown the incredible impact of the American spirit,” she said. “I am grateful to you all for letting me serve you on platforms which are dear to me.”

She also slammed the “salacious gossip, unwarranted personal attacks” on those “who are looking to be relevant and have an agenda,” possibly referring without explaining a CNN report that claims that she ignored what was occurring from the events unfolding from the riots through the White House window while busy overseeing a furniture photoshoot.

“I find it shameful that surrounding these tragic events there has been salacious gossip, unwarranted personal attacks, and false misleading accusations on me – from people who are looking to be relevant and have an agenda. This time is solely about healing our country and its citizens. It should not be used for personal gain,” she wrote. 

Six people including two U.S. Capitol Police officer died in connection to the events and federal law enforcement officials are currently opening more than a dozen terrorism-related investigations. 

The First Lady mourned the lost lives in the post.

“Most recently, my heart goes out to — Air Force Veteran, Ashli Babbit, Benjamin Philips, Kevin Greeson, Rosanne Boyland, and Capitol Police Officers, Brian Sicknick and Howard Liebengood. I pray for their families comfort and strength during this difficult time,” the first lady said.

Capitol HillCapitol RiotCNNMelania TrumpPolitical FashionPresident TrumpWhite House