US Military Chiefs Condemn Capitol Attack, Say Extremism Not Allowed

US military chiefs have condemned the attack on the Capitol, reminding its officers of their obligation to defend the Constitution and reject extremism.

America’s most senior general Mark Milley and the entire military Chiefs of Staff, which is comprised of the heads of each military branch, stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday.

“We witnessed actions inside the Capitol building that were 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,” they wrote in the statement.

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The statement is considered a significant step because the US military chiefs seek wherever possible to avoid taking stances that may have political overtones. But given what has happened, the chiefs felt it was important to make a statement given the gravity of events surrounding the inauguration.

“As Service Members, we must embody the embody the values and ideals of the Nation. We support and defend the Constitution. Any act to disrupt the Constitutional process is not only against our traditions, values, and oath; it is against the law,” the statement said.

In addition, the statement referenced the certification of the election by Congress and said, “President-elect Biden will be inaugurated and will become our 46th Commander in Chief.”