First Lady Melania Trump has said in an official statement that she was "disappointed" by the violence that erupted during the pro-Trump Capitol riots last week.
On Wednesday, January 6, a mob of pro-Trump protestors broke into the Capitol building and disrupted the ceremonial counting of the Electoral College votes to determine President-Elect Joe Biden as the official winner of the 2020 US Presidential Election.
Armed protestors breached the building and clashed with riot police. Congressional proceedings were halted, and Vice President Mike Pence and a number of journalists and politicians were forced to evacuate the scene until order could be restored.
The Guardian reports that a total of five people have died as a result of the incident as of the time of this writing, and many more people have been left injured.
Casualties included 42-year-old Capitol Police Department officer Brian Sicknick, 53-year-old former Air Force vet Ashli Babbitt, 50-year-old computer programmer Benjamin Phillips, 55-year-old Kenneth Greeson, and 34-year-old Roysanne Boyland.
Now Melania Trump has commented on the violence for the first time, in an official statement shared with her 16.4 million Twitter followers.
In it, the First Lady of the United States writes: "Like all of you, I have reflected on the past year and how the invisible enemy, Covid-19, swept across our beautiful country. All Nations have experienced the loss of loved ones, economic pain, and the negative impacts of isolation.
"As your First Lady, it has been inspiring to witness firsthand what the people of our great Nation will do for one another, especially when we are at our most vulnerable.
"With nearly every experience I have had, I found myself carrying many individual’s stories home with me in my heart.
"Most recently, my heart goes out to: Air Force Veteran, Ashli Babbit, Benjamin Philips, Kevin Greeson, Rosanne Boyland, and Capitol Police Officers, Brian Sicknick and Howard Liebengood. I pray for their families comfort and strength during this difficult time."
The First Lady continued: "I am disappointed and disheartened with what happened last week. 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.
"This time is solely about healing our country and its citizens. It should not be used for personal gain. Our Nation must heal in a civil manner. Make no mistake about it, I absolutely condemn the violence that has occurred on our Nation’s Capitol. Violence is never acceptable.
"As an American, I am proud of our freedom to express our viewpoints without persecution. It is one of the paramount ideals which America is fundamentally built on.
"Many have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect that right. With that in mind, I would like to call on the citizens of this country to take a moment, pause, and look at things from all perspectives.
"I implore people to stop the violence, never make assumptions based on the color of a person’s skin or use differing political ideologies as a basis for aggression and viciousness. We must listen to one another, focus on what unites us, and rise above what divides us."
She added:
"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. Our path forward is to come together, find our commonalities, and be the kind and strong people that I know we are.
"Our country’s strength and character have revealed themselves in the communities that have been impacted by natural disasters and throughout this terrible pandemic that has affected all of us.
"The common thread in all of these challenging situations is American’s unwavering resolve to help one another. Your compassion has shown the true spirit of our country.
"As I said over the summer, it is these defining moments that we will look back and tell our grandchildren that through empathy, strength, and determination, we were able to restore the promise of our future.
"Each of you are the backbone of this country. You are the people who continue to make the United States of America what it is, and who have the incredible responsibility of preparing our future generations to leave everything better than they found it."
She concluded:
"It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your First Lady. I want to thank the millions of Americans who supported my husband and me over the past 4 years and shown the incredible impact of the American spirit.
"I am grateful to you all for letting me serve you on platforms which are dear to me. Most importantly, I ask for healing, grace, understanding, and peace for our great Nation.
"Every day let us remember that we are one Nation under God. God bless you all and God bless the United States of America."
President Donald Trump himself also condemned the violence and civil disorder, and promised an "orderly transition of power", despite his continually insisting that he disagrees with the result of the 2020 elections.
