In a rare joint message, the United States Armed Forces Joint Chiefs of Staff on Tuesday attacked last week’s riots at the United States Capitol – which resulted in five deaths, including a Capitol Police officer – as an attack to the country’s constitutional process.
The message marked the first public comments on the mutiny by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley.
“The violent riot in Washington DC on January 6, 2021 was a direct attack on the United States Congress, the Capitol building and our constitutional process,” said an internal memo to troops obtained by Reuters.
A military man stands guard outside the Russell Senate Office Building at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, January 8, 2021, in response to supporters of President Donald Trump who invaded the U.S. Capitol.
(AP)
The memo reminded troops that freedom of speech and assembly “does not give anyone the right to resort to violence, sedition and insurrection”.
Milley made headlines last summer, when he expressed regret at having accompanied President Donald Trump during a photo in Lafayette Square amid protests, calling the decision “a mistake”.
The incident occurred at the height of protests across the country against the police and security forces, triggered by the death of George Floyd by the police in Minneapolis.
Tuesday’s memo from top military leaders comes amid fears of new violence on inauguration day. Signed by all members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the memo reminded the military that Joe Biden was duly elected as the next president and will take office on January 20.
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It also occurs when law enforcement agencies attempt to determine the full extent of criminal activity on Capitol Hill and to discover the extent of participation by current or former military members.
Some military veterans participated in the unrest, but the extent of any active involvement has not been established. Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq war veteran, wrote to the Defense Department on Monday asking her to cooperate with the FBI and the US Capitol Police in investigating whether current and retired members of the armed forces were part of a “conspiracy”. seditious “against the government.
The Joint Chiefs memo did not directly address the issue of military involvement.
“We witnessed actions inside the Capitol building that were inconsistent with the rule of law,” said the memo. “The rights to freedom of expression and assembly do not give anyone the right to resort to violence, sedition and insurrection.
“As members of the service, we must embody the nation’s values and ideals. We support and defend the Constitution. Any act to interrupt the constitutional process is not just against our traditions, values and oath; it is against the law.”
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Before next week’s inauguration and President Donald Trump’s departure from office, the National Guard is preparing to provide support to law enforcement agencies. There are no plans to use active duty forces in security operations.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.