Melania Trump condemns violence at Capitol riots incited by her husband
Melania Trump has said ‘violence is never acceptable’ as she moves to condemn last week’s Capitol riot.
Speaking for the first time since Wednesday’s events, the first lady has today said she is ‘disappointed and disheartened’ by the violence that was incited by her husband.
In a letter published by the White House, she has also called for a period of national ‘healing’ as the couple prepare to leave office on January 20.
Her comments come after five people died when supporters of Donald Trump supporters stormed through Congress while it certified Joe Biden’s victory.
Melania’s letter also hit out at ‘salacious gossip and unwarranted personal attacks on me’ following claims that she was attending a photoshoot as the violence unfolded.
She did however say it ‘has been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your first lady’ as she outlined her view of ‘the path forward’.
The letter said: ‘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.
‘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.’
Melania went on to offer prayers to the families of the five people who sadly died during Wednesday’s insurrection at the Capitol building. She said her ‘heart goes out’ to those who lost a loved one during riot.
She also appealed for people to ‘stop the violence’ and encouraged against aggression based on political views.
Melania said: ‘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.
‘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.
‘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.
‘Most importantly, I ask for healing, grace, understanding, and peace for our great Nation.’
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