From the Tribune staff reports
WASHINGTON — In a video posted on Twitter on Thursday night, President Donald Trump condemned the mob that attacked and vandalized the Capitol on Wednesday and promised a peaceful transfer of power to President-elect Joe Biden.
Trump began his speech by referring to the attack on the Capitol as “heinous.”
“Like all Americans, I am outraged by the violence, lawlessness, and mayhem,” Trump said. “I immediately deployed the National Guard and federal law enforcement to secure the building and expel the intruders. America is and must always be a nation of law and order.”
Trump said the mob “defiled” the seat of American democracy.
“To those who engaged in the acts violence and destruction, you do not represent our country,” Trump said. “And to those who broke the law, you will pay.”
Trump said “tempers must be cooled and calm restored.”
“My campaign vigorously pursued every legal avenue to contest the election results,” Trump said. “My only goal was to restore the integrity of the vote. In so doing, I was fighting to defend American democracy.”
He pressed Congress to reform the election process to assure fair elections in the future.
“A new administration will be inaugurated on January 20th,” Trump said. “My focus now turns to insuring a smooth, orderly and seamless transition of power. This moment calls for healing and reconciliation.”
You can watch the full video below.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2021