Riots outside the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6.Photo: Graeme Sloan/Getty Images. Inset: Getty
Former PresidentBarack Obamais addressing the rioting ofDonald Trumpsupporters at the U.S. Capitol, calling it “a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation.”
On Wednesday, after Trump supportersstormed the Capitol buildingjust as lawmakers inside prepared to certify President-electJoe Biden’s November election win, Obama, 59,released a statementon his social media accounts condemning the violent act.
In the statement, Obama took aim at Trump and his supporters' baseless claims of election fraud, saying, “For two months now, a political party and its accompanying media ecosystem has too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth — that this was not a particularly close election and that President-Elect Biden will be inaugurated on January 20.”
“Their fantasy narrative has spiraled further and further from reality, and it builds upon years of sown resentments. Now we’re seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo,” Obama said.
Pro-Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol following a rally with President Donald Trump on Wednesday, Jan. 6.Samuel Corum/Getty
“Right now, Republican leaders have a choice made clear in the desecrated chambers of democracy,” he continued. “They can continue down this road and keep stoking the raging fires. Or they can choose reality and take the first steps toward extinguishing the flames. They can choose America.”
Obama then voiced his support for those who have condemned the riots, saying, “I’ve been heartened to see many members of the President’s party speak up forcefully today.”
“Their voices add to the examples of Republican state and local election officials in states like Georgia who’ve refused to be intimidated and have discharged their duties honorably,” Obama said, appearing to reference Georgia Secretary of StateBrad Raffensperger, who told Trump in a leaked phone call that he was “wrong” when the president pressured him to “find” more votes in his favor to win the state.
“We need more leaders like these — right now and in the days, weeks, and months ahead as President-Elect Biden works to restore a common purpose to our politics,” Obama added. “It’s up to all of us as Americans, regardless of party, to support him in that goal.”
In addition to Obama, other former presidents such asGeorge W. Bush,Bill ClintonandJimmy Carterhave also spoken out about the violence at the Capitol.
“Laura and I are watching the scenes of mayhem unfolding at the seat of our Nation’s government in disbelief and dismay. It is a sickening and heartbreaking sight. This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic — not our democratic republic,” Bushsaid in a statement provided to PEOPLE.
In a statement of his own, Clinton called the event “an unprecedented assault on our Capitol, our Constitution, and our country.”
There werenumerous photos and videos of looting and vandalismas the rioters moved throughout the Capitol, including the congressional chambers and lawmaker offices. At least one person was shot and wasconfirmed to have diedin the violent incident.
source: people.com
