The Joint Chiefs of Staff in a rare statement on Tuesday denounced last Wednesday’s “insurrection” at the Capitol building as “a direct assault on the U.S. Congress,” and also confirmed the Joint Chiefs’ acceptance of the official presidential election results.

In a message to the entire U.S. military, the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Tuesday called last week’s Capitol riot “a direct assault on the U.S. Congress, the Capitol building, and our constitutional process” https://t.co/9kGk2Fjv6G

— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) January 12, 2021

In the statement, which was released Tuesday afternoon, the Joint Chiefs said the U.S. military will obey lawful orders from civilian leadership, support civil authorities to protect lives and property, and will remain fully committed to protecting and defending the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

The Joint Chief of Staffs of ALL armed forces of the USA have declared the events of January 6th to be an insurrection and not a legal protest. pic.twitter.com/AUKcvupSoP

— Zack Davisson (@ZackDavisson) January 12, 2021

The statement 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 deaths 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,” said the statement.

“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 the 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 in defense of every American.”

As noted by the Wall Street Journal, the Defense Department has authorized as many as 15,000 National Guard members to be deployed to D.C. leading up to next Wednesday’s inauguration. In addition, as reported by The Journal, the National Park Service, citing continuing danger from violent groups, said Monday that it had closed facilities, parking areas, and roadways and is restricting access to the Washington Monument.