First lady Melania Trump made her first comments Monday about the violence at the Capitol when pro-Trump rioters stormed the building last week.
In a lengthy written statement posted to the White House website and shared on her Twitter account, she said that her heart goes out to the six people who have died since the attack, including two Capitol police officers.
Melania then proceeded to hit back against criticism launched at herself, casting herself as a victim amid an unprecedented attack on democracy.
As your First Lady, it has been inspiring to witness firsthand what the people of our great Nation will do for one another, especially when we are at our most vulnerable. With nearly every experience I have had, I found myself carrying many individual’s stories home with me in my heart.
Most recently, my heart goes out to: Air Force Veteran, Ashli Babbit, Benjamin Philips, Kevin Greeson, Rosanne Boyland, and Capitol Police Officers, Brian Sicknick and Howard Liebengood. I pray for their families comfort and strength during this difficult time.
I am disappointed and disheartened with what happened last week. I find it shameful that surrounding these tragic events there has been salacious gossip, unwarranted personal attacks, and false misleading accusations on me – from people who are looking to be relevant and have an agenda.
This time is solely about healing our country and its citizens. It should not be used for personal gain.
You can read Melania Trump's full statement here.
Staying on brand, she made no mention of those who are responsible for inciting the violence last Wednesday. Some have charged that includes President Donald Trump and some Republican lawmakers who encouraged pro-Trump supporters to “fight” at the Capitol as lawmakers tried to count the Electoral College votes that solidified Biden's victory.
