Homeland Security chief calls on Trump to condemn violence by his supporters

Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf called on the president to condemn the pro-Trump mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol Thursday, describing the events in a statement as "tragic and sickening."

The latest: About 90 minutes after the statement, the White House withdrew Wolf's nomination to the Senate to be confirmed as DHS secretary in a permanent capacity. The move has little practical implication, as there has not been a Senate-confirmed head of the agency since Kirstjen Nielsen resigned in April 2019.

What he's saying: "We now see some supporters of the President using violence as a means to achieve political ends," Wolf said. "This is unacceptable. These violent actions are unconscionable, and I implore the President and all elected officials to strongly condemn the violence that took place yesterday."

• "After a challenging and saddening 2020, it’s time for every American to respect each other and the rule of law in 2021."
• The condemnation comes as the FBI has asked for public help in identifying people who took part in the insurrection.

Worth noting: Wolf said he would remain in his position until the end of the administration to ensure an orderly transition to his replacement.