President Donald Trump addressed the nation Wednesday, saying the election was “fraudulent” before telling his supporters to “go home and go home in peace” amid chaos at the capital building.
“I know your pain. I know you’re hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us,” Trump said in a video posted to Twitter. “I know how you feel, but go home and go home in peace.”
Trump’s tweets came hours after he promised to march with his supporters to Capitol Hill to protest President-Elect Joe Biden’s election victory. Protesters broke into the Capitol as the Senate was in session, throwing the certification of Biden’s win into chaos even as Vice President Mike Pence said he would not intervene. Trump egged on his supporters throughout his speech Wednesday afternoon, calling alleged dumps of Biden votes on election night “explosions of bullshit.” (RELATED: Rudy Giuliani Says America Needs ‘Trial By Combat’ To Decide Election)
Trump’s statement called for peace but he also doubled down on his claim that the election was “fraudulent.”
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
Reports say capitol police were forced to use tear gas on rioters inside the Capitol building and officers drew firearms inside the House chamber. Protesters broke through windows and police barricades to access the Senate chamber, where one protester ascended to the dais and yelled “Trump won.”
A protestor has entered the chambers pic.twitter.com/HDHweTqpBJ
— The Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) January 6, 2021
Trump spoke to the large protest Wednesday afternoon, laying out once again his unfounded accusations of election fraud. Trump and his campaign have filed roughly 40 lawsuits since Nov. 3 challenging the election result, all of which failed due to lack of evidence. The protesters plan to walk to the Capitol as Congress accepts the Electoral College’s certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has instituted a 6 p.m. curfew and requested the National Guard.