Trump Calls for ‘Healing and Reconciliation’ Following Unrest at US Capitol

President Donald Trump on Thursday called on the country to heal and have faith following civil unrest at the U.S. Capitol. Trump told Americans that he has now turned his focus on ensuring a “smooth, orderly, and seamless transition of power” to a new administration that will be inaugurated on Jan. 20, in a brief video message released on Thursday evening. Hours earlier, Congress certified the electoral votes for former Vice President Joe Biden in an emotionally-charged joint session. This came after a group of protestors waving American and Trump flags stormed in the Capitol building. The mayhem left at least four people dead—three for medical reasons—and dozens of police officers injured, D.C. police said. “This moment calls for healing and reconciliation,” Trump said. “2020 has been a challenging time for our people, a menacing pandemic has upended the lives of our citizens, isolated millions in their homes, damaged our economy, and claimed countless lives.” “Defeating this pandemic and rebuilding the greatest economy on earth will require all of us working together. “It will require a renewed emphasis on the civic values of patriotism, faith, charity, community, and family. We must revitalize the sacred bonds of love and loyalty that bind us together as one national family.” The president also condemned the acts of violence that transpired during the protests that disrupted lawmakers during their joint session where they were counting Electoral College votes. Lawmakers were forced to suspend their sessions and shelter in place as police and security attempted to seize control of the situation. “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. The demonstrators who infiltrated the Capitol have defiled the seat of American democracy.” He warned that people who broke the law would have to “pay,” adding that those who engaged in violence and destruction “do not represent our country.” “We have just been through an intense election and emotions are high. But now tempers must be cooled and calm restored,” he said.