"Abominable attack": Trump condemns riot "in the strongest"

"Hideous attack"
Trump condemns riot "in the strongest"

Global indignation over the violence in Washington is apparently also causing President Trump to rethink. In a statement, the Republican condemned the rioting. He also threatens his rioting supporters with criminal prosecution – and calls for reconciliation.

After storming the US Capitol in Washington, President Donald Trump strongly condemned the violent actions of his supporters. It was a "hideous attack", said Trump in a video message on Twitter. The demonstrators had "polluted the seat of American democracy" with their action. Those responsible must be held accountable and do not represent America.

In addition, Trump promises in the video a smooth handover to his successor Joe Biden. "Now Congress has confirmed the results. A new government will be sworn in on January 20th. My focus is now on ensuring a smooth, orderly and seamless transfer of power. This moment requires healing and reconciliation," said Trump.

A few hours earlier, Trump had criticized the escalation of violence in Washington through his presidential spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany. The president and his administration opposed this outbreak of violence "in the strongest possible way," said McEnany. "The violence we witnessed at the Capitol yesterday was horrific, reprehensible and contrary to American values," she said. "Those who have forcibly besieged our Capitol are the opposite of everything this government stands for."

Since the riot on Wednesday at the seat of the US Congress, there have been calls for an early removal of Trump. The Republican's term officially ends on January 20. On Thursday night, after temporarily suspending its session because of the riot, Congress formally confirmed Democrat Joe Biden's victory in the November presidential election.

Trump supporters had forcibly entered the Capitol. They smashed windows and occupied rooms. Because of the riot, the parliamentarians had to be brought to safety by the police. A woman was shot dead by police in the Capitol during the riot.

Trump had previously incited his supporters at a demonstration in Washington by repeating his completely unsubstantiated claim that there had been massive fraud in the presidential election he lost in November. After storming the Capitol, he appealed to his rampaging supporters on Wednesday to "return home", but at this point failed to expressly condemn the excess of violence. At the same time he praised the demonstrators. "We love you, you are very special," he said.

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