An internal military memo from the Joint Chiefs has been leaked online, and shows that senior leaders within the military establishment fear more uprisings similar to the one that happened at the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. on January 6.
On January 12, the eight members of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff for the U.S. military issued an internal memo to all military members which condemned the storming of the Capitol building. The letter also called on members of the military to “obey lawful orders” from the civilian leadership of the military, and confirmed that Joe Biden will be the next president of the United States.
MEMO FROM JOINT CHIEFS: "Freedom of speech and assembly do not give anyone the right to resort to violence, sedition and insurrection."
"We support and defend the Constitution."
"On Jan. 20, President -elect Biden will be inaugurated and will become our 46th Commander in Chief." pic.twitter.com/zfgc3DvnQT— Jamie McIntyre (@jamiejmcintyre) January 13, 2021
The full memo from the Joint Chiefs reads:
“The American people have trusted the Armed Forces of the United States to protect them and our constitution for almost 250 years. As we have done throughout our history, the U.S. military will obey lawful orders from civilian leadership, support civil authorities to protect lives and property, ensure public safety in accordance with the law, and remain fully committed to protecting and defending the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
The violent riot in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021 was a direct assault on the U.S. Congress, the Capitol building, and our Constitutional process. We mourn the loss of the two Capitol policemen and others connected to these unprecedented events.
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.
As Service Members, we must 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.
On January 20, 2021, in accordance with the Constitution, confirmed by the states and courts, and certified by Congress, President-elect Biden will be inaugurated and will become our 46th Commander in Chief.
To our men and women deployed and at home, safeguarding our country—stay ready, keep your eyes on the horizon, and remain focused on the mission. We honor your continued service and defense of every American.”
American Military News reported that “the memo was signed by Chairman Gen. Mark Milley, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. John E. Hyten, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. James C. McConville, Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David H. Berger, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael M. Gilday, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. Raymond and Chief of the National Guard Bureau Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson.”
Brian Sicknick, a Capitol police officer, died on January 7 after being injured during the incident in Washington, D.C. Another Capitol police officer who was present during the riot, Howard Liebengood, died by suicide on January 9.
Several U.S. military veterans were among the protestors in Washington, D.C. during the incident, including 14-year U.S. Air Force veteran Ashli Babbit, who was fatally shot by a Capitol Police officer inside the building.
This memo comes soon after President Trump declared an emergency in Washington, D.C., calling for around 6,200 National Guard troops from various states to be activated to Washington D.C.
Up to 15,000 National Guard troops may be tasked with missions to assist with security and logistics for Inauguration Day.