FIRST LADY CONDEMNS VIOLENCE, TARGETS HER CRITICS

First Lady Melania Trump on Monday condemned the violence perpetrated at the Capitol last week by a pro-Trump mob and pushed back on what she characterized as “salacious gossip” and “unwarranted personal attacks” against her. “It is inspiring to see that so many have found a passion and enthusiasm in participating in an election, but we must not allow that passion to turn to violence,” Trump said in a statement published by the White House. She also spoke out against those who had questioned her initial silence about the episode. “I find it shameful that surrounding these tragic events there has been salacious gossip, unwarranted personal attacks, and false misleading accusations on me — from people who are looking to be relevant and have an agenda,” she said.