President Trump urged the American public on Wednesday to refrain from violence ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, again calling for a peaceful transition of power.
Why it matters: The statement was released as the House debated whether to impeach Trump for a second time, after the president was accused of inciting the pro-Trump mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol and left five dead last week.
- D.C. is currently on high alert ahead of the Biden inauguration, with the National Guard deployed to the nation’s capital.
What they’re saying: “In light of reports of more demonstrations, I urge that there must be NO violence, NO lawbreaking and NO vandalism of any kind,” Trump said. “That is not what I stand for and it is not what America stands for. I call on ALL Americans to help ease tensions and calm tempers. Thank You.”
A bipartisan group of lawmakers wrote to Trump on Wednesday asking him to, “address the nation and unequivocally denounce domestic terrorism, condemn harmful propaganda, urge anyone considering mobilizing to stay home, and affirmatively state that you are no way supportive of violent messages of any kind.”