ADDS DETAILS THROUGHOUT
By Michael Hernandez
WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Donald Trump confirmed suspicions Friday that he will not attend President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration later this month, breaking with a long-standing tradition that many see as a hallmark of the US's peaceful transfer of power.
"To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th," Trump said on Twitter.
The announcement marks Trump's latest break with tradition, but it is perhaps one of his most profound as outgoing presidents have consistently attended their successor's inauguration. It also stands in stark contrast to a video message he distributed in the wake of blistering criticism and calls for his removal from office after his supporters raided the Capitol building.
He had lauded the violent mob as "great patriots" when calling on them to return home amid the bedlam Wednesday. Five people have died, including a Capitol Police officer who was reportedly bludgeoned with a fire extinguisher.
Trump had just hours before the Capitol was overrun incited his supporters' passions during a rally, telling them he would "never concede" defeat while continuing to falsely allege there was "theft involved" in the Nov. 3 election he lost to Biden by 7 million votes.
Trump said the day after, amid an unprecedented level of outrage, including from some key Republicans, "This moment calls for healing and reconciliation."
"My focus now turns to ensuring a smooth, orderly and seamless transition," he said while seeking to distance himself from the violence. "To those who engaged in the acts of violence and destruction, you do not represent our country. To those who broke the law, you will pay."
Trump's announcement that he will not attend Biden's inauguration, however, throws cold water on his calls for unity. Normally, the outgoing and incoming presidents ride to the Capitol together to take part in the inauguration ceremony in what is a display that embodies the US's peaceful transfer of power.
The tradition has been in place "with few exceptions" since 1837, according to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.
Outgoing Vice President Mike Pence is expected to attend the ceremony, according to reports.
More than 50 people have been arrested and dozens of injuries were reported while the FBI and local law enforcement are seeking to identify further individuals who stormed the federal legislature.