WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump says he opposes violence in a statement read on the House floor as members debate impeaching him for his role in fomenting the violent insurrection at the Capitol last week.
Trump’s message was read Wednesday by GOP Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio.
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“In light of reports of more demonstrations, I urge that there must be NO violence, NO lawbreaking and NO vandalism of any kind,” Trump said in the statement. “That is not what I stand for, and it is not what America stands for. I call on ALL Americans to help ease tensions and calm tempers.”
The FBI earlier this week warned of plans for armed protests at all 50 state capitals and in Washington in the days leading up to president-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.
Trump is on the verge of being impeached for a second time in a fast-moving House vote, just a week after he encouraged loyalists to “fight like hell” against election results and then a mob of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. Five people died, including a U.S. Capitol Police officer.
The president had claimed widespread voter fraud cost him the election won by Biden.