Melania Trump makes her first comments on the attack on the Capitol

WASHINGTON – First Lady Melania Trump made her first comments on the violence on Capitol Hill on Monday when pro-Trump rioters stormed the building last week.

In a lengthy written statement posted on the White House website and shared on her Twitter account, she said her heart went out to the six people who have died since the attack, including two Capitol Hill police officers.

“I am disappointed and disheartened by what happened over the past week. I find it shameful that around these tragic events there has been salacious gossip, unwarranted personal attacks and deceptive false accusations against me – from the part of people who are looking to be relevant and have an agenda, “she said. “This time it is only about healing our country and its citizens. It should not be used for personal gain.”

Melania Trump said that “I absolutely condemn the violence” that has taken place on Capitol Hill and implores people to “never make assumptions based on a person’s skin color or use different political ideologies as the basis of aggression and wickedness “.

The first lady urged people to focus on what unites Americans, not what causes division.

“It is inspiring to see that so many people have found a passion and an enthusiasm to participate in an election, but we must not allow that passion to turn into violence,” she continued.

She made no mention of those responsible for inciting violence last Wednesday. Some have accused President Donald Trump and some Republican lawmakers who encouraged pro-Trump supporters to “fight” on Capitol Hill as lawmakers attempted to count the electoral college votes that solidified Biden’s victory.

The first lady also said nothing about calls for Vice President Mike Pence, with help from Trump’s cabinet, to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office or the House Democrats’ plan to possibly dismiss him a second time.

She said it was “the honor of my life” to be the first lady. Trump’s last day in office, unless he is removed from office or resigns, is inauguration day January 20 when President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in.