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US military leaders blast 'insurrection' at Capitol

January 13, 2021

Top ranking members of the US armed forces have decried the far-right violence from Donald Trump's supporters and confirmed that Joe Biden will be inaugurated on January 20.

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General Mark Milley (right) walking with Donald Trump
The US military vowed not to get involved in electoral disputes before the November electionImage: picture-alliance/AP Photo/P. Semansky

The highest-ranking military general in the United States, Mark Milly, along with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, released a statement on Tuesday condemning the violence in the Capitol on Wednesday.

The statement, signed by the heads of each of the military branches, called the events of January 6 "inconsistent with the rule of law."

"The rights of freedom of speech and assembly do not give anyone the right to resort to violence, sedition and insurrection."

The message from the military's top brass also reminded serving men and women to "remain focused on the mission."

In the unprecedented move, the military leaders felt it necessary to remind those serving in the military that any attempt to "disrupt the constitutional process" would not only go against "our traditions, values, and oath; it is also against the law."

Military sides with the rule of law

In an open contradiction with President Donald Trump — who will leave office on January 20 — the military memo confirmed the victory of the incoming Democrat.

"On January 20, 2021, in accordance with the Constitution … President-elect [Joe] Biden will be inaugurated and will become our 46th Commander in Chief."

Some military veterans participated in the invasion of the Capitol building — including the one rioter who was shot dead by police — however, the statement made no reference to this.

Security officials and the national guard are preparing plans for the inauguration ceremony in Washington DC amid fears that armed Trump supporters may carry out further violent actions in the capital and across the country.

The military will not take part in security operations, however, CNN reported that the US Army was working with the Secret Service to investigate whether further background screening will be necessary for soldiers who will be part of Biden's National Guard detail on inauguration day.

As President Donald Trump is still the commander in chief and has used his time in office to increase military spending, but the military has stayed out of disputes over the president's unproven claims of electoral fraud.

ab/aw (dpa, AP, Reuters)