Donald Trump has again condemned the violence that erupted at the Capitol building in a video released after being impeached for a second time.
The President made no reference to the impeachment, which the US House of Representatives voted in favour of, and instead focused on absolving himself from bearing any responsibility for the riots.
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Trump said: "As I have said, the incursion of the US Capitol struck at the very heart of our Republic. It angered and appalled millions of Americans across the political spectrum.
"I want to be very clear. I unequivocally condemn the violence that we saw last week. Violence and vandalism have absolutely no place in our country and no place in our movement."
"Making America great again has always been about defending the rule of law, supporting the men and women of law enforcement and upholding our nation's most scared traditions and values," he said.
"Mob violence goes against everything I believe in and everything our movement stands for."
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He also warned Americans not to engage in similar protests in the coming days, with the FBI receiving intelligence that armed demonstrations are planned in all 50 US states.
"Every American deserves to have their voice heard in a respectful and peaceful way. That is your first amendment right. But I cannot emphasise that there much be no violence, no law breaking and no vandalism of any kind," he said.
"I have directed federal agencies to use all necessary resources to maintain order."
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The video message comes after the US House of Representatives voted to impeach the President. The final vote was 232 in favour, 197 against.
Democrats formally submitted an article of impeachment against the President for 'inciting an insurrection' related to the Capitol riots last week.
Part of the article said: "Donald John Trump engaged in high Crimes and Misdemeanors by inciting violence against the Government of the United States.
"Donald John Trump, by such conduct, has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to national security, democracy, and the Constitution if allowed to remain in office[.]"
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The vote was expected to get up because the House only needed 218 votes to proceed and Democrats hold 224 seats.
Those in favour of the impeachment argued Trump was a threat to the country and to democracy in general and deserves to face punishment for his actions.
Republicans who voted against impeachment said the article was divisive and harmful during a time where America needed to heal. They also claimed Trump did not incite the Capitol riots.
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This is the first time in US history that a sitting President has been impeached twice.
But this second impeachment is historic for another reason: it has become the most bipartisan impeachment vote in US history.
Ten Republicans crossed the floor to vote in favour of the article, compared to the five Democrats that did the same when Bill Clinton was impeached in 1998.
Now that Trump has been impeached, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will send the articles of impeachment to the Senate for a trial to determine whether Trump is guilty.
This is where the President's first impeachment failed, due to an overwhelming Republican majority. The Senate needs a two-thirds majority to convict Trump, which would require at least 17 Republicans to vote in favour.
Featured Image Credit: White House/Twitter