Democrats are charging President Donald Trump with “incitement of insurrection” as part of their impeachment attempt, following the US Capitol riot last week.
They have filed a resolution which notes Mr Trump addressed a rally shortly before his supporters mounted the attack and says he made statements that “encouraged and foreseeably resulted in” the lawless actions.
Republicans have blocked the House resolution calling on vice president Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment and remove Mr Trump from office and proceedings have been adjourned until tomorrow at the earliest.
President Trump has been widely accused of inciting the rioters who stormed the heart of US democracy – the Capitol building – last Wednesday.
His presidency only has days remaining, with Joe Biden’s inauguration set to take place on 20 January, but Mr Trump could soon become the only US president to be impeached twice.
He was first impeached over claims he pressured Ukraine’s president to launch a corruption investigation into Mr Biden and his son. The Republican-led Senate went on to acquit him in February last year.
If passed by the House, the latest impeachment process would move to the Senate for a trial, with senators acting as jurors who would ultimately vote on whether to acquit or convict Mr Trump.
