Name: Schwarzenegger compares mob attack on Capitol to Nazi assault on Jews, calls Trump a ‘failed leader’
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Schwarzenegger compares mob attack on Capitol to Nazi assault on Jews, calls Trump a ‘failed leader’

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Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Sunday released a highly personal video message condemning the attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Trump, comparing it to Nazi assaults on Jews before World War II.In the video , the Austrian-born action star likened the Capitol invasion to in 1938 in which Nazis burned hundreds of synagogues and plundered thousands of Jewish homes, businesses and schools. Ninety-one Jews were murdered, and 30,000 were sent to concentration camps in the turning point for the Third Reich that resulted in the Holocaust.“Wednesday was the Day of the Broken Glass right here in the United States,” Schwarzenegger said.Schwarzenegger, who was born two years after World War II ended, spoke of growing up in postwar Austria surrounded by “broken men,” including his own father, “drinking away their guilt over their participation in the most evil regime in history.” Not all were Nazis, he said: “Many just went along step-by-step down the road. They were the people next door.”My message to my fellow Americans and friends around the world following this week's attack on the Capitol. — Arnold (@Schwarzenegger)He said he had never spoken publicly before about his father’s abuse. “My father would come home drunk once or twice a week, and he would scream and hit us and scare my mother,” which was common behavior among families in his neighborhood, Schwarzenegger said.“It all started with lies, and lies, and lies, and intolerance,” he said. “So being from Europe I have seen firsthand how things can spin out of control.”The U.S. Capitol invaders “trampled the very principles on which our country was founded,” Schwarzenegger said. He called fellow Republican Trump a “failed leader” who “sought a coup by misleading people with lies.”“He will go down in history as the worst president ever,” he said.Schwarzenegger has long been a critic of Trump. The two have sparred on social media for years, and Schwarzenegger has called for his party to the president.Schwarzenegger took over from Trump as the host of “The Celebrity Apprentice” after Trump’s 2016 election, but after one season, citing Trump’s continued involvement as executive producer.In his nearly eight-minute video Sunday, which quickly went viral, Schwarzenegger urged all Americans, regardless of party affiliation, to wish President-elect Joe Biden success in office. “We stand with you today, tomorrow and forever in defense of our democracy from those who would threaten it,” he said.Capitol Riot FalloutRob Stutzman, who was Schwarzenegger’s deputy chief of staff, told The Chronicle he sent the former governor a message Sunday morning telling him he’s never been prouder of him. He said that as an immigrant, Schwarzenegger has a unique perspective to share on what happened last week.“I’m not surprised, but I was particularly moved at how deeply he shared from his own personal story,” Stuzman said. “I know that part of his life is very private to him.”About Our NewsroomWhile Schwarzenegger using his platform to reach millions of people is significant, more needs to be done to have a major impact, Stutzman said.“We’re going to need a lot of voices starting to sound this alarm,” he said.Some lawmakers and other notable figures reacted to and retweeted Schwarzenegger’s message, including , and , who the FBI said was the target of a recent by an anti-government group.Schwarzenegger is California’s most recent Republican governor, first elected in 2003 after the recall of Democratic Gov. Gray Davis. He served the remainder of Davis’ term, was re-elected in 2006 and served through 2011, when he was prevented by the state’s constitution from seeking another term.The siege on the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday took place while lawmakers convened to debate and certify the Electoral College votes that ultimately cemented Biden’s presidency. Since the election, President Trump has alleged widespread voter fraud, but he has produced no evidence supporting his claims, and courts have by Trump and his allies seeking to overturn the election results.The morning of the riot, Trump held a rally near the White House to protest the presidential certification and called on thousands of supporters who had shown up to “stand up for what’s right.” They descended on the Capitol and dozens stormed into the building, breaking windows and vandalizing property as lawmakers, including Vice President Mike Pence, were rushed away to safety. Five people died, including a Capitol Police officer who suffered injuries from the mob.Kellie Hwang is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: Twitter:About Our Newsroom

Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Sunday released a highly personal video message condemning the attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Trump, comparing it to Nazi assaults on Jews before World War II.In the video , the Austrian-born action star likened the Capitol invasion to in 1938 in which Nazis burned hundreds of synagogues and plundered thousands of Jewish homes, businesses and schools. Ninety-one Jews were murdered, and 30,000 were sent to concentration camps in the turning point for the Third Reich that resulted in the Holocaust.“Wednesday was the Day of...

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Kellie Hwang

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Schwarzenegger compares mob attack on Capitol to Nazi assault on Jews, calls Trump a ‘failed leader’

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