Donald Trump was ‘inciter-in-chief’ of deadly January 6 Capitol riot, says trial prosecutor

Former US Donald Trump was ‘inciter-in-chief’ of deadly January 6 Capitol riot, trial prosecutor says in the Senate on Wednesday, reports AFP. House impeachment manager and Democrat Jamie Raskin told the Senate that the evidence will show that Trump was “no innocent bystander.” Trump “surrender his role as commander-in-chief and became the inciter-in-chief of a dangerous insurrection,” reports AFP.

The Democrats, who have argued that the former president directed his supporters to storm Congress on January 6, are presenting the case against Trump in his impeachment trial on Wednesday. 

“And when the violence inexorably and inevitably came, as predicted, and overran this body and the House of Representatives with chaos, we will show you that he completely abdicated his duty as commander in chief to stop the violence and protect the government,” Raskin further said.

On Tuesday, the Senate voted to put Trump on trial after a large majority of Republicans voted that the trial of a former US president would be unconstitutional. Trump’s trial is expected to last only for a few days, unlike his earlier trial a year ago, as the lawmakers of both sides are keen to move on. 

Meanwhile, in the Senate, Conservative GOP senator Kevin Cramer said he would have a harder time supporting Trump in 2024.

To convict Trump, the vote of 67 lawmakers is needed in the 50-50 Senate i.e., 17 Republicans would have to go against the former president, which is highly unlikely. If convicted, Trump would be barred to hold federal office again.