U.S. President Donald Trump became the first American president on Wednesday (January 13) to get impeached for a second time.
Trump was impeached by the U.S. House for a historic second time, charged with “incitement of insurrection” over a siege of the Capitol.
Earlier in the day, Trump issued a statement, saying he does not support violence.
“In light of reports of more demonstrations, I urge that there must be NO violence, NO lawbreaking and NO vandalism of any kind,” Trump said in a brief statement.
“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,” Trump said.
Trump’s impeachment came as he had lost his social media access, depriving him of a forum to respond.
The House voted 232 to 197 to impeach Trump.
Ten 10 Republicans broke ranks to support impeaching the president for his role in inciting a riot by his supporters at the Capitol.
Trump has continued to assert that he won the November 3, 2020 election.
Joe Biden will take his oath as new U.S. president on January 20, 2021.
Reports say Trump monitored the impeachment proceedings mostly from the Oval Office.
Trump has refused calls to resign.
Unlike his previous impeachment, Trump has few public defenders.
Trump has also not assembled a defense team for a possible impeachment trial.
Trump has said that he will not attend Biden’s swearing-in ceremony.
Some advisers have said they expect him to leave the White House before Inauguration Day.
Trump was first impeached by the House in 2019 over his dealings with Ukraine, but the Senate voted in 2020 to acquit.
Trump addressed his supporters at a rally near the White House on January 6, which was followed by a mob attack on the Capitol.
A Capitol Police officer died from injuries suffered in the riot.
Police shot and killed a woman during the siege. Three other people died in what authorities said were medical emergencies.
The January 6 riot delayed the tally of Electoral College votes that was the last step in finalizing Biden’s victory.
Most House Republicans voted not to impeach.
During the debate, some Republicans said that Trump has been treated unfairly by Democrats from the day he took office.
Other Republicans argued the impeachment was a rushed sham.
The House had first tried to persuade Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet to invoke their authority under the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office.
Pence declined to do so.
