Donald Trump's former military officials are condemning him as well as other leaders who obstructed a peaceful transfer of power.
They believe Trump incited Wednesday's storming of the US Capitol by continuing to repeat his unfounded claims that "We had an election stolen from us".
Per CNN, the pro-Trump protestors attempted to obstruct the ceremonial counting of the electoral college votes to affirm Joe Biden's victory in the US 2020 Presidential Election.
The outlet also states that the breach of the Capitol delayed the process of affirming Biden's impending presidency as the House and Senate were forced to find shelter when the riots broke out.
Related video - Jimmy Kimmel tears into Trump supporters:According to the outlet, Trump's first secretary of defense, James Mattis, said that Wednesday's "violent assault on our Capitol, an effort to subjugate American democracy by mob rule, was fomented by Mr. Trump."
Mattis also said that "his use of the presidency to destroy trust in our election and to poison our respect for fellow citizens has been enabled by pseudo-political leaders whose names will live in infamy as profiles in cowardice."
Retired Gen. Joseph Dunford, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told CNN that he believes "our leaders who have continued to undermine a peaceful transition in accordance with our Constitution have set the conditions for today's violence."
He added:
"This is an outrageous assault on our democracy and a sad day for our Nation. It's time for all Americans and particularly our elected officials to put our Country first.
"As many have said, we're better than this. I believe our leaders who have continued to undermine a peaceful transition in accordance with our Constitution have set the conditions for today's violence."
During the riots, which left four people dead, Trump had posted a video urging protesters to "go home", while adding: "We love you".
"I know your pain, I know you're hurt," he said. "We had an election stolen from us... but you have to go home now, we have to have peace."
The president went on to insist that "this was a fraudulent election but we can't play into the hands of these people but we have to have peace."
