America’s most senior military leaders denounced the violent invasion of the US Capitol and reminded service members of their commitment to support and protect the Constitution and oppose extremism in a statement that highlighted the country’s unparalleled challenges following the January 6 uprising attempt by supporters of President Donald Trump.
The rights of freedom of speech and assembly do not give anyone the right to resort to violence, sedition and insurrection,” said the statement, released Tuesday and signed by America’s most senior general, Mark Milley, and the entire Joint Chiefs of Staff, which is comprised of the heads of each military branch.
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The extraordinary statement underscores the scale of the challenge and the depth of the uncertainty and concern in Washington, where officials across the US security establishment scramble to deal with the aftermath of the chaos at the Capitol, and around the country, as all 50 states are preparing for possible violence.
At the same time, as more information comes to light about the attempts of Trump supporters to stage another assault and interrupt the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, federal officials are deciding how best to defend lawmakers in the seat of American democracy.
