President Donald Trump urged his supporters to refrain from violence and lawbreaking ahead of planned protests against President-Elect Joe Biden’s inauguration Wednesday.
The FBI has reported that there are armed pro-Trump protests planned at state capitols all across the country, including Washington, D.C. The National Guard is deploying 10,000 troops to D.C. ahead of the Jan. 20 inauguration to prevent the same unrest seen at the U.S. Capitol last week, when Trump supporters stormed the building as Congress was in session.
“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. I call on ALL Americans to help ease tensions and calm tempers. Thank You,” Trump said. (RELATED: Pence Rejects Calls To Enact 25th Amendment, Urges Congress Against Impeachment)
Rioters brawl with police officers after storming the Capitol Building (Screenshot/Twitter Elijah Schaffer)
Democrats and many Republicans in the House are voting to impeach Trump for his role in inciting a mob of supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol last week. Prominent Republicans including Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney have announced intentions to vote in favor of impeachment.
The single article of impeachment from the House accuses Trump of “incitement of insurrection” for his role in last week’s riot.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell shot down plans to hold an emergency Senate session to handle the impeachment trial, however, meaning Trump will not be convicted before leaving office. McConnell’s decision could also signal that there is not a two-thirds majority of Senators willing to vote against the president.
A Tuesday report from the New York Times suggests McConnell believes Trump has committed impeachable offenses and he was pleased that Democrats were moving forward with the process. Several Republican Senators have condemned Trump with