Trump Calls For Peace After 'Heinous Attack' At U.S. Capitol

President Trump released a video Thursday evening, shortly after his Twitter account became active to condemning the “heinous attack” that occurred from pro-Trump supporters mobsters who breached into the U.S. Capitol just a day ago.

“I would like to begin by addressing the heinous attack on the United State’s Capitol,” Trump said. “Like all Americans, I am outraged by the violence, lawlessness, and mayhem.”

The president condemned Wednesday’s violence, saying rioters had defiled the seat of American democracy.

“America is, and must always be, a nation of law and order. The demonstrators who infiltrated the Capitol have defiled the seat of American democracy,” Trump said. “To those who engaged in the acts of violence and destruction, you do not represent our country. And to those who broke the law, you will pay.”

Trump acknowledged the transition of power after Congress certified the Electoral College victory for President-elect Joe Biden, calling for “healing and reconciliation.” He did not mention Biden by name nor congratulate his rival win.

“Now, Congress has certified the votes. A new administration will be inaugurated on Jan. 20,” Trump said. “My focus now turns to a smooth, orderly, and seamless transition of power. This moment calls for healing and reconciliation. 2020 has been a challenging time for our people.”

Addressing all of his “wonderful supporters,” Trump noted that serving as president has been an honor and even hinted at his next future political moves, saying “the journey is just beginning.”

“To the citizens of our country, serving as your president has been the honor of my lifetime,” Trump said. “And to all of my wonderful supporters, I know you are disappointed, but I also want you to know that our incredible journey is only just beginning.”

The joint session of congress was seen to be a fight of delaying Biden electoral college victory while addressing the issue of voter irregularities. However, just one hour into the objection of Arizona, a pro-Trump march to the Capitol to protest the election results whipped up a mob that overran police officers and invaded the Capitol building, forcing members of Congress into hiding for their own safety.

After being put into recess for about 6 hours, Congress reconvened late Wednesday night and handed Biden his Electoral College victory in the early hours of Thursday morning.

One pro-Trump demonstrator was fatally shot during the chaos, and four other people died during the Wednesday violence. A U.S. Capitol Police officer died of injuries late Thursday evening he sustained “while physically engaging with protesters” during the unrest, according to the department. The officer was the fifth person who died in connection to the storming of the Capitol.

The video followed a wave of resignations from his administration and calls from top congressional Democrats of removing Trump or impeachment following Wednesday’s assault. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Democratic Minority leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke Section 4 of the 25th Amendment — the forceful removal of a president from power by his own Cabinet to remove Trump for “his incitement of insurrection.”