As protesters overwhelmed security at the U.S. Capitol and breached the building, the House and Senate adjourned their proceedings to certify the results of the Electoral College vote count.
President Donald Trump released a video message on Wednesday, urging people to leave the Capitol. He said, “I know your pain. I know your hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us. It was a landslide election, and everyone knows it.”
“But you have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have law and order. We have to respect our great people in law and order. We don’t want anybody hurt. It’s a very tough period of time,” he continued.
He falsely claimed that “this was a fraudulent election.”
However, he argued, “We can’t play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. You’re very special… I know how you feel. But go home and go home in peace.”
Watch the video below:
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1346928882595885058
Earlier in the day, he took to Twitter to encourage protesters to remain peaceful, “I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful.”
He added, “No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!”
I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
Lawmakers gathered on Wednesday for a joint session of Congress to count the Electoral College votes and certify President-elect Joe Biden‘s victory. However, shortly after the proceedings were scheduled to begin, protesters breached barricades outside the Capitol and stormed the building.
As images of the situation at the Capitol surfaced, Trump tweeted, “Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!”
Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
Vice President Mike Pence condemned the situation as well as he wrote, “The violence and destruction taking place at the U.S. Capitol Must Stop, and it Must Stop Now. Anyone involved must respect Law Enforcement officers and immediately leave the building.”
Peaceful protest is the right of every American but this attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) January 6, 2021
“Peaceful protest is the right of every American, but this attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated, and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he added.
