‘A moment of great dishonor and shame’: Former President Barack Obama condemns Capitol riots

Rioters forced their way into US Capitol on Wednesday

Kayla Clarke, Senior Web Producer

Published: January 6, 2021 at 8:25 PM

Tags: Washington, News, National, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, US Capitol, US Capitol Riots, Capitol Riots, Riots, Riot, National News, Politics

WASHINGTON – Former President Barack Obama released a statement condemning the violence in Washington on Wednesday.

A large crowd of people who support President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday and forced lawmakers into hiding.

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A woman was shot and killed inside the Capitol, and Washington’s mayor instituted an evening curfew in an attempt to contain the violence.

Congress is set to resume confirming the Electoral College vote for Joe Biden on Wednesday night.

READ: Pro-Trump mob storms US Capitol in bid to overturn election

History will rightly remember today’s violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation. But we’d be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise.
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.
Right now, Republican leaders have a choice made clear in the desecrated chambers of democracy. 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.
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. 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. It’s up to all of us as Americans, regardless of party, to support him in that goal.
Barack Obama

Here’s my statement on today’s violence at the Capitol. pic.twitter.com/jLCKo2D1Ya
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 7, 2021

READ: Michigan Gov. Whitmer, former Gov. Snyder call for unity amid riots in Washington

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People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

U.S. Capitol Police hold protesters at gun-point near the House Chamber inside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

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Politics

‘A moment of great dishonor and shame’: Former President Barack Obama condemns Capitol riots

Rioters forced their way into US Capitol on Wednesday

About the Author

Kayla Clarke