Former President Barack Obama Issues Statement On U.S. Capitol Riot

After millions across the United States witnessed hundreds of Pro-Trump supporters violently force their way into the U.S. Capitol during a Congress session, the country is still in a state of disbelief.

Many have since taken to social media, reflecting on what today’s occurrence truly represents and the next steps to take forward.

Former President Barack Obama released a statement on Twitter, essentially condemning Donald Trump for inciting the riot and calling on Republicans to accept reality and move forward with America rather than follow Trump’s path.

“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 as a total surprise,” Obama stated.

Here’s my statement on today’s violence at the Capitol. pic.twitter.com/jLCKo2D1Ya

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 7, 2021

Obama then noted how Republicans have been living in a fantasy world since the election, refusing to inform their followers that President-Elect Joe Biden’s victory was fair and just.

“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,” he continued. “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.”

Obama also shared his appreciation for members of the Republican party that spoke up during the riots objecting to Trump’s message and what his supports were doing.

“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.”