My fellow Americans,
I wanna speak to you tonight about the troubling events of the past week. As I've said, the incursion at the US Capital struck at the very heart of our republic. It angered and appalled millions of Americans across the political spectrum. I wanna be very clear, I unequivocally condemn the violence that we saw last week. Violence and vandalism have absolutely no place in our country and no place in our movement. Making America Great Again has always been about defending the rule of law, supporting the men and women of law enforcement and upholding our nation's most sacred traditions and values. Mob violence goes against everything I believe in and everything our movement stands for. No true supporter of mine can ever endorse political violence. No true supporter of mine can ever disrespect law enforcement or our great American flag. No true supporter of mine could ever threaten or harass their fellow Americans. If you do any of these things, you're not supporting our movement. You're attacking it and you're attacking our country. We cannot tolerate it.
Tragically over the course of the past year, made so difficult cause of COVID19, we have seen political violence spiral out of control. We have seen too many mobs, too many riots and too many acts of intimidation and destruction. It must stop. Whether you're on the right or on the left, a Democrat or a Republican, there is never a justification for violence. No excuses. No exceptions. America is a nation of laws. Those who engaged in the attacks last week will be brought to justice.
Now I'm asking for everyone who has ever believed in our agenda to be thinking of ways to ease tensions, calm tempers and help to promote peace in our country. There has been reporting that additional demonstrations are being planned in the coming days both here in Washington and of course the country. I have been briefed by the US Secret Service on the potential threats. Every American deserves to have their voice heard in a respectful and peaceful way. That is your first amendment right but I must emphasize that there must be no violence, no lawbreaking and no vandalism of any kind. Everyone must follow our laws and must obey the instructions of law enforcement. I have directed federal agencies to use all necessary resources to maintain order. In Washington DC, we are bringing in thousands of national guard members to secure the city and ensure that a transition can occur safely and without incident.
Like all of you, I was shocked and deeply saddened by the calamity at the Capitol last week. I wanna thank the hundreds of millions of incredible American citizens who have responded to this moment with calm, moderation and grace. We will get through this challenge, just like we always do. I also want to say a few words about the unprecedented assault on free speech that we have seen in recent days. These are times and difficult times. The efforts to censor, cancel and blacklist our fellow citizens are wrong and they are dangerous. What is needed now is for us to listen to one another, not silent one another. All of us can choose by our actions to rise above the ranking and find common ground and shared purpose. We must focus on advancing the interest of the whole nation, delivering the miracle vaccines, defeating the pandemic, rebuilding the economy, protecting our national security and upholding the rule of law.
Today, I am calling on all Americans to overcome the passions of the moment and join together as one American people. Let us choose to move forward united for the good of our families, our communities and our country. Thank you, God bless you and God bless America.
