Pence vows to honour US history, ensure safe inauguration of new President
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US Vice-President Mike Pence made the remarks before a security briefing at the headquarters of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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WASHINGTON (REUTERS) - United States Vice-President Mike Pence on Thursday (Jan 14) vowed to uphold American history and ensure a safe transition of power to President-elect Joe Biden, eight days after supporters of President Donald Trump laid siege to the US Capitol.
Mr Pence made the remarks before a security briefing at the headquarters of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and during a meeting with National Guard troops guarding the US Capitol, where he was among top US officials forced into hiding during last week's attack.
"We all lived through that day - Jan 6. And as the President made clear yesterday, we are committed to an orderly transition and to a safe inauguration. The American people deserve nothing less," Mr Pence said during his first public event since the attack that left five people dead.
He said Mr Biden and Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris would be sworn in next Wednesday "in a manner consistent with our history and our traditions, and in a way that gives honour to the American people and the United States".
Mr Trump, who does not plan to attend the inauguration, on Wednesday became the first president in US history to be impeached twice, as 10 of his fellow Republicans joined Democrats in the House of Representatives to charge him with inciting an insurrection in last week's assault.
Mr Pence also met with dozens of Guardsmen outside the brightly illuminated Capitol, thanking them for providing security "at such an important time in the life of our nation".
His carefully staged appearances on Thursday marked a contrast to those of Mr Trump, who has not visited the Capitol since the attack. In a video released late on Wednesday, Mr Trump disavowed the violence.
Mr Pence had long been one of Mr Trump's most loyal associates, but incurred his wrath for refusing to block the congressional certification of Mr Biden's Electoral College win. During the attack, some of Mr Trump's supporters discussed assassinating Mr Pence for being a traitor.
Mr Trump and Mr Pence sought to heal their rift during a meeting in the Oval Office on Monday, but aides say they were deeply disappointed by the way Mr Trump had treated Mr Pence.
