US Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday vowed to uphold American historical past and guarantee a secure transition of energy to President-elect Joe Biden, eight days after supporters of US President Donald Trump laid siege to the US Capitol. Pence made the remarks earlier than a safety briefing on the headquarters of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and through a gathering with National Guard troops guarding the US Capitol, the place Pence was amongst prime US officers pressured into hiding throughout final week’s assault.
“We all lived through that day – January 6. And as the president made clear yesterday, we are committed to an orderly transition and to a safe inauguration. The American people deserve nothing less,” Pence stated throughout his first public occasion because the assault that left 5 folks lifeless.
He stated Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris could be sworn in on Jan. 20 “in a manner consistent with our history and our traditions, and in a way that gives honor to the American people and the United States.”
Trump, who doesn’t plan to attend the inauguration, on Wednesday turned the primary president in US historical past to be impeached twice, as 10 of his fellow Republicans joined Democrats within the House of Representatives to cost him with inciting an riot in final week’s assault.
Pence additionally met with dozens of Guardsmen outdoors the brightly illuminated Capitol, thanking them for offering safety “at such an important time in the life of our nation.”
His rigorously staged appearances on Thursday marked a distinction to these of Trump, who has not visited the Capitol because the assault. In a video launched late Wednesday, Trump disavowed the violence.
Pence had lengthy been considered one of Trump’s most loyal associates, however incurred his wrath for refusing to dam the congressional certification of Biden’s Electoral College win. During the assault, a few of Trump’s supporters mentioned assassinating Pence for being a traitor.
Trump and Pence sought to heal their rift throughout a gathering within the Oval Office on Monday, however aides say they have been deeply disenchanted by the best way Trump had handled Pence.
