Outgoing first lady Melania Trump lamented Monday that she has been receiving too much criticism since last Wednesday’s deadly riot at the Capitol, which was done by a group of her husband’s supporters.
“I am disappointed and disheartened with what happened last week,” she wrote in a letter posted to the White House website. “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.”
Trump shared condolences for the six people who were present at the riot and lost their lives, including two Capitol police officers, then condemned the violence.
“It is inspiring to see that so many have found a passion and enthusiasm in participating in an election, but we must not allow that passion to turn to violence. Our path forward is to come together, find our commonalities, and be the kind and strong people that I know we are,” she wrote.
Trump’s chief of staff, Stephanie Grisham, was one of many top aides and White House officials to resign after the riot, which took place when a number of supporters of President Donald Trump breached the Capitol during a joint session of Congress meant to certify the election of President-elect Joe Biden.
America's Day of Shame: Scenes From US Capitol Under Siege by MAGA Mob (Photos)
The National Guard will be deployed to the United States Capitol building following a riot incited by Trump supporters seeking to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
The group of Trump supporters broke into the Capitol building Wednesday afternoon shortly before 1 p.m. ET. Rioters were able to push past police and barricades around the perimeter of the Capitol, and some guards were photographed with guns drawn inside the Senate chambers.
Photographs and video from reporters and bystanders on the ground and inside the Capitol show rioters overtaking the Senate Chambers, including breaking into senators' offices, stealing and vandalizing property.
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An unmasked Trump supporter in face paint inside the Capitol Building Jan. 6.
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Capitol Police deploy tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowds in Washington, D.C.
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Pro-Trump rioters outside the Capitol Building.
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Pro-Trump rioters perch on the railings of the Capitol Building.
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Police officers in riot gear walk towards the scene at the Capitol Building.
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Pro-Trump rioters in the Capitol Building.
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Pro-Trump rioters inside the Capitol Building.
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Pro-Trump rioters broke into the Capitol Building to destroy government property and vandalize the building.
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Confederate flags are visible inside and outside the Capitol during the riots.
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A man is seen bleeding outside the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC.
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Members of Congress evacuate the House Chamber as protesters attempt to enter during a joint session of Congress on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC.
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A protester sits on the Speaker of the House's dais inside Capitol chambers.
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A pro-Trump rioter inside the Capitol chambers.
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Pro-Trump rioters inside the Capitol Wednesday.
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Capitol police officers point their guns at a door that was vandalized in the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC.
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A protester is seen hanging from the balcony in the Senate Chamber on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC.
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Rioters gather inside the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC.
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Rioters gather inside the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC.
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Trump's flags wave at the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
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Trump supporters stormed the Capitol Wednesday in protest of democratic elections
The National Guard will be deployed to the United States Capitol building following a riot incited by Trump supporters seeking to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
The group of Trump supporters broke into the Capitol building Wednesday afternoon shortly before 1 p.m. ET. Rioters were able to push past police and barricades around the perimeter of the Capitol, and some guards were photographed with guns drawn inside the Senate chambers.
Photographs and video from reporters and bystanders on the ground and inside the Capitol show rioters overtaking the Senate Chambers, including breaking into senators' offices, stealing and vandalizing property.