Michelle Obama condemns violence at the Capitol

Last week saw pro-Trump crowds storm the US Capitol as Congress was in the middle of certifying Joe Biden’s election victory. The shocking events have compelled many politicians from across the board to speak out against the violence, including former first lady Michelle Obama.

Mrs. Obama released a statement on social media with her thoughts on the riots, noting the difference in treatment by the law enforcement authorities towards the crowds. The former first lady urged those who voted for outgoing president Donald Trump to speak out against the violence that was an attempt to undermine Biden’s election victory. The clash at the Capitol resulted in four people dead, including one Capitol police officer who was struck by a fire extinguisher. The former first lady also noted that the reaction by the law enforcement authorities would be different had the mob been Black.

“All I know is that now is a time for true patriotism. Now is the time for those who voted for this president to see the reality of what they’ve supported -- and publicly and forcefully rebuke them and the actions of that mob,” wrote the former first lady. Her remarks are among the growing number of figures, especially among the Republican party, that is calling for the removal of Trump through impeachment or by invoking the 25th Amendment through vice president Mike Pence.

Michelle also called on the social media companies like Twitter and Facebook -- who have since decided to suspend Trump’s accounts permanently -- to implement policies that could prevent politicians from inciting violence or insurrection.

Despite the attempt made by the pro-Trump mob to undermine Biden’s victory, the president-elect will be sworn in on January 20 following the formal certification done by Congress hours later. Michelle, along with her fellow first ladies Laura Bush and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, will be joining their husbands in attending Biden’s inauguration. A spokesperson for the Obamas confirmed the former president and first lady’s attendance last week.

The confirmation of the Obamas comes at the same time as the Clintons and following the confirmation of George W. Bush’s attendance at the ceremony.