Confronting new photos emerge as US braces for chaos
More terrifying signs of the looming chaos in the United States have emerged as the country prepares for what’s sure to be a historic change of leadership.
The confronting images of exhausted National Guard troops sleeping on the floors of the US Capitol during Donald Trump’s impeachment was only a glimpse of what’s to come.
Photos have now surfaced showing the bold lengths the country has resorted to in a mammoth attempt to prevent a violent uprising similar to that at the Capitol last week.
In preparation for the inauguration of Joe Biden on January 20, Washington DC has been locked off by fences, concrete barriers and there is a heavy police presence at boundary lines.
Up to 20,000 National Guard troops are expected to be out in force on the day of the inauguration, with thousands having already made their presence well known.
Thousands of rifle-carrying troops gathered inside and outside the Capitol as 10 of Donald Trump’s fellow Republicans joined Democrats in the House of Representatives to charge him with inciting an insurrection in last week's violent rampage.
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An emotional debate unfolded in the same House chamber where lawmakers had days earlier crouched under chairs and donned gas masks as rioters clashed with police officers outside the doors.
“The president of the United States incited this insurrection, this armed rebellion against our common country,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, said at the impeachment.
“He must go. He is a clear and present danger to the nation that we all love.”
The mob disrupted the formal certification of Joe Biden's victory over Trump in the November 3 election, sent lawmakers into hiding and left five people dead, including a police officer.
Trump slams ‘mob violence’ in video after impeachment
In a video statement after the vote, Trump did not mention the impeachment vote and took no responsibility for his remarks to supporters last week, but condemned the violence.
“Mob violence goes against everything I believe in and everything our movement stands for. No true supporter of mine could ever endorse political violence,” Trump said.
“No true supporter of mine could ever disrespect law and order,” he added.
Impeachment in the House triggers a trial in the Senate.
A two-thirds majority would be needed to convict and remove Trump, meaning at least 17 Republicans in the 100-member chamber would have to join the Democrats.
The House previously voted to impeach Trump in December 2019 on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress stemming from his request that Ukraine investigate Biden and his son Hunter ahead of the election.
The Senate in February 2020 voted to keep Trump in office.
With AAP
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