Joe Biden reflects on Capitol riots in a statement following Senate acquittal of Donald Trump

Joe Biden has largely stayed away from making any statements that could hold any influence over the impeachment trials of his predecessor Donald Trump. Following the Senate’s acquittal of the former president, Biden reflects on the Capitol riots as he weighs in on the decision.

Biden released a statement through the White House over the weekend, reflecting on the events of the January 6 riots, where a pro-Trump mob attempted to stop the formal counting of electoral votes. Five people were killed in the violence that ensued, including Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick. Biden quoted Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s remarks post-verdict in his statement and addressed the majority of the Senate voting to convict compared to the votes to acquit. Biden also addressed the election officials in states especially in Georgia and in the swing states that went to him during the elections, for upholding their duties in the process before and after the events.

“Today, 57 Senators - including a record 7 Republicans - voted to find former President Trump guilty for inciting that deadly insurrection on our very democracy. The Senate vote followed the bipartisan vote to impeach him by the House of Representatives. While the final vote did not lead to a conviction, the substance of the charge is not in dispute. Even those opposed to the conviction, like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, believe Donald Trump was guilty of a “disgraceful dereliction of duty” and “practically and morally responsible for provoking” the violence unleashed on the Capitol,” said Biden.

Biden stressed the importance of protecting democracy and once again called out “violence and extremism” that exists in the country.

Meanwhile, Biden’s grandchildren gave him a gift in honor of President’s Day on Monday, February 15. Naomi Biden shared on social media a photo of the president sporting the gift they gave him - a tan baseball cap with the presidential seal on the front with “Presidential Retreat, Camp David” embroidered above and below the seal. Another photo showed the back of the cap that said “Pop.”

“We bought him some swag since it’s President’s Day weekend and he’s “literally” President,” tweeted Ms. Biden.