Updated January 14th, 2021 at 11:16 IST

Trump condemns violent Capitol riot and urges calm

In a video released Wednesday after he was impeached by the House for a record second time, President Donald Trump disavowed the violent riot by his supporters at the Capitol last week.

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In a video released Wednesday after he was impeached by the House for a record second time, President Donald Trump disavowed the violent riot by his supporters at the Capitol last week, and said he was "shocked and deeply saddened by the calamity.”

Trump said in light of reporting that "additional demonstrations are being planned in the coming days," he has "directed federal agencies to use all necessary resources to maintain order in Washington, D.C.," including bringing in thousands of National Guard members.

He appealed to all of those who have "ever believed in" his movement, "to be thinking of ways to ease tensions, calm tempers and help to promote peace in our country." The president also slammed what he called the "unprecedented assault on free speech" in the U.S., saying, "what is needed now is for us to listen to one another, not to silence one another."

Trump's video was released at the same time House Speaker Nancy Pelosi signed the articles of impeachment against him. He made no reference to becoming the first president in the nation's history to be impeached twice.

 

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Published January 14th, 2021 at 11:16 IST