Pres. Trump: The Violence Must Stop, As Twitter Admits Suspending Trump sets ‘Dangerous Precedent’

(AP) In a video released Wednesday after he was impeached by the House for a record second time, President Donald Trump disavowed the violent riot by his supporters at the Capitol last week, and said he was “shocked and deeply saddened by the calamity.”

Trump said in light of reporting that “additional demonstrations are being planned in the coming days,” he has “directed federal agencies to use all necessary resources to maintain order in Washington, D.C.,” including bringing in thousands of National Guard members.

He appealed to all of those who have “ever believed in” his movement, “to be thinking of ways to ease tensions, calm tempers and help to promote peace in our country.”

The president also slammed what he called the “unprecedented assault on free speech” in the U.S., saying, “what is needed now is for us to listen to one another, not to silence one another.”

Trump’s video was released at the same time House Speaker Nancy Pelosi signed the articles of impeachment against him.

“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 am asking 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 across the country. I have been briefed by the U.S. 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 cannot emphasize that there must be no violence, no lawbreaking and no vandalism of any kind. Everyone must follow our laws and obey the instructions of law enforcement. I have directed federal agencies to use all necessary resources to maintain order. In Washington, D.C., 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 want to 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 we have seen in recent days. These are tense 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 to silence one another. All of us can choose by our actions to rise above the rancor and find common ground and shared purpose. We must focus on advancing the interests 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.”