President Trump calls for calm and unity in address

President Donald J. Trump released a video address Thursday night. He started off the address by calling Wednesday’s violence at the Capital Building a “heinous attack.”

On Wednesday, Jan. 6 the Senate and House of Representatives convened in a joint session in order to certify the votes from the Electoral College. As they began, a group of Trump supporters gathered outside the Capital Building to protest. Initially, the protest was peaceful, but turned violent as some pushed

through Capital Police and stormed into the Capital Building. Both houses had withdrew to secure locations as it happened.

“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. America is and must always be a nation of law and order,” said President Trump.

In his address, the President calls those that entered the Capital Building demonstrators, but also says that they “defiled the seat of American democracy.”

He also said that those that participated in the violent actions do not represent the country. “To those that broke the law, you will pay,” Trump said.

Addressing the election, President Trump said that while emotions are high, tempers must be cooled.

“We must get on with the business of America,” he said.

The President stated that his campaign exhausted all legal avenues to contest the results of the election. “My only goal was to ensure the integrity of the vote. In so doing, I was fighting to defend American democracy. I continue to strongly believe that we must reform our election laws to verify the identity and eligibility of all voters.”

He did confirm that the inauguration of President- Elect Joe Biden will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 20. “My focus now turns to ensuring a smooth, orderly, and seamless transition of power.”

President Trump stated that serving as the country’s president has been the “honor of my lifetime.” He then thanked his supporters by saying that this was only the beginning.

“Our incredible journey is only just beginning,” he said.