The US House voted Wednesday to impeach President Trump an unprecedented second time, on a charge of “inciting violence” against the U.S. government.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) left open the possibility of voting to convict at a trial, which would occur after Trump leaves office next week.
During debate on the House floor, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said Trump “bears responsibility” for last week’s violent takeover of the Capitol but argued against impeachment so close to the end of his term.
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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) called Trump “a clear and present danger” and said “he must go.”
In a statement issued during the House debate, Trump called for “no violence, no lawbreaking and no vandalism” in light of reports of possible additional unrest.
President-elect Joe Biden, who takes office next week, has announced no public events Wednesday as Trump’s impeachment is debated on the House floor.
An additional 5,000 members of the National Guard could arrive to support Inauguration Day security in Washington, city officials said Wednesday, which would increase the total to at least 20,000 in a rapidly swelling security apparatus focused on the Capitol.
The House took a preliminary step toward impeachment Tuesday night, approving a resolution urging Vice President Pence and the Cabinet to use their powers under the 25th Amendment to remove Trump immediately. Pence said he will not do that.
