Trump condemns supporters for storming US Capitol

Washington, January 8

Outgoing US President Donald Trump has finally condemned the mayhem caused by his supporters in the US Capitol, saying they do not represent America, as the beleaguered president vowed to ensure a “smooth, orderly and seamless” transition of power to President-elect Joe Biden.

In a new video message, a day after he urged the crowds to head for the Capitol, where they forced their way inside, Trump said, “America is, and must always be a nation of law and order. Like all Americans, I am outraged by the violence, lawlessness and mayhem. I immediately deployed the national guard and federal law enforcement to secure the building and expel the intruders,” Trump said in the recorded video posted on YouTube on Thursday and released by the White House.

The demonstrators who infiltrated the Capitol have defiled the seat of American democracy, he 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. We have just been through an intense election and emotions are high, but now tempers must be cooled, and calm restored,” he said.

Delivered in monotone and read from a teleprompter, Trump’s remarks bore little resemblance to those on Wednesday, in which he told his rioting supporters, “We love you.” – PTI

Quote: America is and must always be a nation of law and order. Like all Americans, I am outraged by the violence, lawlessness and mayhem – Donald Trump, us president