„There is no substitute for legitimacy,“ Morsi said in the 45-minute late-night address. „The revolution of January 25 will achieve its goals. Legitimacy will be safeguarded, and I am willing to give my own life to protect it.“

Just hours after his speech, the health ministry reported that unidentified gunman had killed 16 people and wounded at least 200 more after opening fire on a rally of his supporters in the capital.