New Delhi: A bipartisan majority of lawmakers in the House of Representatives voted Wednesday to impeach Donald Trump seven days from the end of his term, assuring he becomes the first US president to be impeached twice.
With nearly all votes counted, the number supporting impeachment on the single charge of "incitement of insurrection" for Trump's role in whipping up a violent mob surpassed 217, the majority threshold out of 433 current House members. At least 10 Republicans joined the Democrats.
Impeachment of the president will trigger a trial in the US Senate, which is not expected to begin its proceedings until Trump, 74, is out of office.
Trump had urged calm earlier today and said he opposed any violence among supporters as Congress debated his impeachment for inciting insurrection.
"In light of reports of more demonstrations, I urge that there must be NO violence, NO lawbreaking and NO vandalism of any kind. That is not what I stand for, and it is not what America stands for," Trump said in a statement released by the White House.
"I call on ALL Americans to help ease tensions and calm tempers. Thank You."
The House of Representatives was set to impeach "clear and present danger" President Donald Trump Wednesday, with several key Republicans backing the Democrat-led push to bring down the real estate tycoon in flames a week before he leaves office.
Reflecting nationwide tensions, lawmakers debated the charge against Trump of stoking insurrection against a backdrop of a Washington under a state of siege.
Armed National Guards deployed across the capital and central streets and public spaces were blocked off.
In the Capitol building itself, guards in full camouflage and carrying assault rifles assembled, some of them grabbing naps early Wednesday under the ornate statues and historical paintings.
The expected vote, coming seven days ahead of Democrat Joe Biden's inauguration, would make Trump the first US president to have been impeached twice.
Here are the Live Updates of debate on Donald Trump's impeachment:
Jan 14, 2021 06:44 (IST)
Solemnity, tension at gaveling of Trump's second impeachment
There was deep silence on the House floor as the gavel struck Wednesday heralding the second impeachment of US President Donald Trump.
With hands clasped atop a lectern on which rested the results of the chamber's historic vote, Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the charges, making Trump the only president in US history to be impeached twice, this time for "incitement of insurrection" against the Capitol.
During the document's subsequent sober signing, the mood was a far cry from Trump's first impeachment, when Pelosi signed the document with multiple pens, distributing them to elected Democrats with a smile.
As if to emphasize the occasion's solemnity, Pelosi, who is known for her bright suits, opted for the same dark outfit she wore for Trump's first impeachment on December 18, 2019 -- a look equally if not more befitting a funeral.
Jan 14, 2021 05:51 (IST)
"No One Above Law": US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi After Trump Impeached
Donald Trump's impeachment Wednesday confirmed that "no one is above the law," US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said after the defiant Republican president was impeached for the second time in 13 months.
"Today in a bipartisan way the House demonstrated that no one is above the law, not even the president of the United States," the top Democrat in Congress said at a ceremony at which she signed the article of impeachment.
Jan 14, 2021 04:49 (IST)
"No one" above the law, Nancy Pelosi says after Trump impeached
Jan 14, 2021 03:34 (IST)
No chance of 'fair' trial until after Trump leaves office, says US Senate leader
Jan 14, 2021 02:55 (IST)
Donald Trump Impeachment: US House Votes To Impeach Trump For A Second Time
BREAKING NEWS | Majority Of US House Votes To Impeach Trump For The Second Time Over Capitol Riots
Jan 14, 2021 02:32 (IST)
US House begins vote to impeach Trump for second time
The US House of Representatives began its momentous vote Wednesday on impeaching President Donald Trump for a second time, on charges of "incitement of insurrection."
After hours of intense debate, a bipartisan majority of members is expected to impeach the president, who urged supporters last week to march on the US Capitol and "fight like hell," actions that Democrats say incited a mob to stage a violent and deadly uprising.
Shortly before the vote began, number two House Democrat Steny Hoyer urged lawmakers to "reject sedition, tyranny and insurrection" and vote to impeach Trump "for America, for our constitution, for democracy, for history.
Jan 14, 2021 02:27 (IST)
Voting begins in the House on Donald Trump impeachment
Jan 14, 2021 02:00 (IST)
Republican Senate leader doesn't rule out voting to remove Trump
Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell indicated Wednesday he has not decided on President Donald Trump's impeachment, not ruling out voting to remove him.
"While the press has been full of speculation, I have not made a final decision on how I will vote and I intend to listen to the legal arguments when they are presented to the Senate," McConnell said in a note to Republican colleagues.
