#uselections2020

Who woulda thought that, out of everything that 2020 had in store, this is the week that breaks me. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

US states brace for potential violence before Biden inauguration

US states brace for potential violence before Biden inauguration

State officials across the United States are preparing for potentially violent demonstrations in support of President Donald Trump in the days leading up to the January 20 inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

Several states, including California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Florida, had activated their National Guard forces to bolster security as of Saturday.

Authorities in Washington, DC were also bracing for more violence following the deadly storming of the seat of the country’s legislature by pro-Trump rioters on January 6.

Meanwhile, a man with a loaded handgun and more than 500 rounds of ammunition has been arrested at a security checkpoint near the US Capitol.

Wesley Allen Beeler, of Virginia, had driven to a checkpoint on Friday evening and tried to use a fake credential to access the restricted area where Biden will be inaugurated next week, according to a document filed in Washington, DC Superior Court.

As officers checked against an authorised access list, one of them noticed decals on the back of Beeler’s pick-up truck that said “Assault Life”, with an image of a rifle, and another with the message: “If they come for your guns, give ’em your bullets first.”

‘An honest mistake’

Under questioning, Beeler told officers he had a Glock handgun in the vehicle.

A search uncovered a loaded handgun, more than 500 rounds of ammunition, shotgun shells and a magazine for the gun, the court document said.

Beeler was arrested on charges including possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition, a police report said.

Following his arrest, Beeler said it was “an honest mistake” and that he was a private security guard who got lost on his way to work near the Capitol.

Members of the National Guard patrol outside the US Capitol building in Washington, DC

The security build-ups come after the FBI warned police agencies across the US of possible armed protests outside all 50 state capitol buildings starting on Saturday and lasting through Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday.

Experts said the capitals of battleground states Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Arizona are among the most at risk of violence.

Those states have been central to Trump’s baseless claims of widespread election fraud, which he has used to foment unrest among his supporters, who stormed the US Capitol building as Congress met to certify Biden’s victory.

Rallies expected in all states

On Sunday, the anti-government “Boogaloo” movement plans to hold rallies in all 50 states.

Texas state officials closed the Capitol through Inauguration Day, with Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw saying late on Friday that intelligence indicated “violent extremists” may seek to exploit planned armed protests in Austin to “conduct criminal acts”.

In Michigan, a fence was erected around the Capitol in Lansing and troopers were mobilised from across the state to bolster security. The legislature cancelled meetings next week, citing concerns about credible threats.

“We are prepared for the worst but we remain hopeful that those who choose to demonstrate at our Capitol do so peacefully,” Michigan State Police Director Joe Gasper said during a news conference on Friday.

On a morning walk to greet troopers and the national guard protecting our Capitol, it's heartening to see the dome light that signals that democracy and judicially verified truth is prevailing against insurrection and vile deception. pic.twitter.com/eCGvPs10hf

— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) January 16, 2021

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said on Friday that while his state had not received any specific threats, he was beefing up security around the Capitol in Springfield, including adding about 250 state National Guard troops.

The alarm extended beyond legislatures, as well.

The United Church of Christ, a Protestant denomination of more than 4,900 churches, warned its 800,000 members about reports “liberal” churches could be attacked in the coming week.

Call for investigation

Meanwhile, thousands of armed National Guard troops remained on streets in Washington, DC in an unprecedented show of force.

The city centre was virtually empty, with streets near the Capitol closed, while the National Mall and other iconic US landmarks have been blocked off into next week.

A Virginia man, Wesley Allen Beeler, was arrested on Friday evening at a security checkpoint after police said he presented an “unauthorised inauguration credential,” according to a Capitol Police spokeswoman. Beeler had a loaded handgun and more than 500 rounds of ammunition, according to court papers.

A tearful Beeler later told the Washington Post he had been working security in Washington all week and pulled up to the checkpoint after getting lost. He told the paper he forgot the gun was in his truck and denied having so much ammunition.

Beeler was released after an initial court appearance on Saturday and is due back in court in June, records show.

Responding to news of the arrest, Democratic US Representative Don Beyer of Virginia said the danger was real and the city was on edge.

“Anyone who can avoid the area around the Capitol and Mall this week should do so,” Beyer wrote on Twitter.

In a joint internal bulletin earlier this week, the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and National Counterterrorism Center warned perceptions that the January 6 Capitol riot was a success could further embolden domestic extremists.

They said “false narratives” about electoral fraud would serve as a continuing catalyst for violent groups.

NEW: Intelligence, Homeland, Judiciary & Oversight Committees open review of January 6 insurrection, and ongoing threats.

What warning signs were missed? What were the systemic failures? How should we best counter domestic violent extremism?

READ: https://t.co/7WYeUZf2oh pic.twitter.com/ehf6FVvyxw

— House Intelligence Committee (@HouseIntel) January 16, 2021

On Saturday, Democratic leaders of four US congressional committees announced they had opened a review of the January 6 riot.

The lawmakers also signed an open letter asking the FBI and other intelligence and security agencies to find out what was known about threats, whether the information was shared and whether foreign influence played any role.

The letter was signed by House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff, House Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson, House Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler.

“This still-emerging story is one of astounding bravery by some US Capitol Police and other officers; of staggering treachery by violent criminals; and of apparent and high-level failures – in particular, with respect to intelligence and security preparedness,” the legislators said.

US House debates article of impeachment against Trump: Live

US House impeaches Trump for ‘incitement to insurrection’: Live

The US House of Representatives has impeached President Donald Trump for “incitement of insurrection” for his behaviour and remarks leading up to last Wednesday’s siege of the US Capitol.

Trump has become first president in US history to be impeached twice, with legislators voting 232 to 197.

Ten Republicans joined Democrats in voting for impeachment.

The move comes after Vice President Mike Pence said he would not invoke the 25th Amendment and declare Trump unable to perform duties.

Welcome to Al Jazeera’s coverage of US politics. This is Joseph Stepansky and Mersiha Gadzo.

4 mins ago (22:57 GMT)

Senate Intelligence Committee to hold hearing on Friday

The US Senate Intelligence Committee will hold a hearing on Friday on President-elect Joe Biden’s nomination of Avril Haines to be director of national intelligence, according to a statement.

24 mins ago (22:38 GMT)

Man with ‘Camp Auschwitz’ sweatshirt, Olympic swimmer charged over Capitol riots

A man clad in a ‘Camp Auschwitz’ sweatshirt, a gold medal-winning Olympic swimmer, and a Proud Boys supporter are among those arrested by the FBI in connection with the January 6 riots at the US Capitol, the Department of Justice has said.

Robert Keith Packer, a Virginia man identified as having worn the Nazi-linked shirt, was charged with unlawful entry and disorderly conduct, and allowed to be released following a virtual hearing in the US District Court in Norfolk.

In a separate case, prosecutors in New York charged Eduard Florea with being a felon in possession of a firearm after the FBI said he possessed more than 1,000 rounds of rifle ammunition, military combat knives, and shotgun rounds.

While Florea did not travel to the Capitol, prosecutors said he made verbal threats on the conservative social media platform Parler to carry out violence.

Florea was a supporter of the Proud Boys and had applied to become a member, the government said during his hearing.

31 mins ago (22:30 GMT)

Second impeachment historic, but conviction may be ‘bridge too far’

Shawn Zeller, editor of CQ Magazine, told Al Jazeera Trump’s second impeachment “is a historic moment”, but wondered what it means for the Republican party.

A record number of Republicans, 10, voted to impeach Trump, but Zeller said that’s “not enough for there to be any real consequences for Donald Trump, beyond just shaming him.”

Zeller noted 17 Republicans will be needed to convict, and then to bar Trump from holding office again.

“To get 17 Republicans to vote to convict after only 10 broke in the House, seems like a bridge too far,” Zeller said.

35 mins ago (22:27 GMT)

Democratic leader Schumer says Senate will act on impeachment

“Donald Trump has deservedly become the first president in American history to bear the stain of impeachment twice over,” Schumer said in a statement after the House vote.

“The Senate is required to act and will proceed with his trial and hold a vote on his conviction,” said Schumer who is poised to become the Senate’s majority leader after January 20.

“Make no mistake, there will be an impeachment trial in the United States Senate; there will be a vote on convicting the president for high crimes and misdemeanors; and if the president is convicted, there will be a vote on barring him from running again,” Schumer said.

39 mins ago (22:23 GMT)

Schumer says Senate could vote on barring Trump from running for office again

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has said that if Trump is convicted at his Senate impeachment trial, the chamber will hold a separate vote on barring him from running for office again.

39 mins ago (22:22 GMT)

Parler CEO says social media app, favoured by Trump supporters, may not return

Social media platform Parler, which was cut off by major service providers that accused the app of failing to police violent content, may never get back online, its CEO John Matze has said.

As a procession of business vendors severed ties with the two-year-old site following the storming of the Capitol last week, Matze said in an interview with Reuters news agency that he does not know when or if it will return.

“It could be never,” he said. “We don’t know yet.”

The app said in a legal filing it has over 12 million users.

Amazon cut Parler, a platform which styles itself as a “free-speech” space and is favoured by supporters of Trump, off its servers this weekend for failing to effectively moderate violent content.

Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc’s Google also kicked Parler from their app stores.

55 mins ago (22:06 GMT)

Texas Republican fears future findings may put him ‘on wrong side’ of debate

The ten Republicans who voted to impeach Trump in the House set a record for lawmakers voting to impeach a president from their party.

None from Texas voted in support, but one legislator fears he might be in the wrong.

Texas Representative Michael McCaul, who represents the Texas’ southeastern 10th District, said in a statement he believed the House was “not given the time to truly look at the facts and evidence” before the vote was held.

McCaul, a former prosecutor, likened the vote to “attempting to indict a case before it’s been presented to the grand jury”.

But he “truly” fears “there may be more facts that come to light in the future that will put me on the wrong side of this debate”.

My full statement on impeachment: pic.twitter.com/dORsBNQxU3

— Michael McCaul (@RepMcCaul) January 13, 2021

58 mins ago (22:04 GMT)

McConnell says ‘there is simply no chance’ Senate trial will happen before Trump leaves office

Senate Majority Leader Mitch Mcconnell has said “there is simply no chance” that a Senate trial will happen before Trump leaves office on January 20.

“Given the rule, procedures, and Senate precedents that govern presidential impeachments trials, there is simply no chance that a fair or serious trial could conclude before President-elect Biden is sworn in next week,” he said in a statement.

He noted that previous Senate impeachment trials lasted 83, 37 and 21 days.

“In light of this reality, I believe it will best serve our nation if Congress and the executive branch spend the next seven days completely focused on facilitating a safe inauguration and an orderly transfer of power to the incoming Biden administration,” he said.

2 hours ago (21:31 GMT)

Trump impeached for second time

The US House voted to impeach President Trump for “inciting” the mob that stormed the US Capitol, making him the first president in US history to be impeached twice.

Ten Republicans bucked the president, joining House Democrats in agreeing that the president committed “high crimes and misdemeanors” with his actions and remarks leading up to last week’s riot.

The article of impeachment now heads to the Senate, where Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Wednesday that the earliest an impeachment trial will begin is January 19, a day before Trump’s final day in office,

That guarantees any Senate vote would take place after Trump is no longer president, something that has never happened in US history.

BREAKING: US lawmakers to vote on an article of impeachment against President Donald Trump over the violent siege of the US Capitol.

Read More: https://t.co/SsXVlvXOQ2 https://t.co/2hbL6k3U3P

— Al Jazeera News (@AJENews) January 13, 2021

2 hours ago (21:13 GMT)

Republican Meijer says he supports impeachment

Representative Peter Meijer of Michigan has become the seventh Republican indicate he will vote in favour of impeachment.

“This vote is not a victory. It isn’t a victory for my party, and it isn’t the victory the Democrats might think it is” Meijer said in a statement.

“With a heavy heart, I will vote to impeach President Donald J Trump.”

2 hours ago (20:54 GMT)

Debate concludes and legislators vote on impeachment

Two hours of debate have concluded, with Republican and Democratic legislators condemning the violence at the US Capitol, while disagreeing on how to move forward.

Democrats, and at least seven Republicans, have called for Trump to be impeached.

The majority of Republicans argued that the impeachment was rushed and would further divide the country.

2 hours ago (20:40 GMT)

Democrat Steny Hoyer gives closing statements

Democratic House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer gave closing statements, concluding two hours of debate.

He referenced Republican Representative Liz Cheney’s condemnation of Trump’s actions and her vow to vote to impeach.

“There has never been, she said, a greater betrayal by the president of the United States of this office, of his office and his oath to the constitution,” he said.

“This attack was not from abroad, it was, as Liz Cheney said, summoned, assembled, and inflamed by the president of the United States of America,” he said.

This will be no ordinary roll call,” he said of the upcoming voting. “This is about our country, our Constitution and our democracy. These votes will be inscribed on the scroll of history.”

US House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer gave closing statements in the two-hour debate preceding a vote on an article of impeachment against Trump

2 hours ago (20:37 GMT)

Republican Steve Scalise gives closing statements

In closing statements, Republican Representative Steve Scalise condemned the violence but said that impeachment would further divide.

“I’ve seen the dark evil of political violence first hand,” said Scalise, who was shot by a gunman at a charity baseball game in 2017.

“I oppose this rushed impeachment brought forward without a single hearing,” he said. “It will only serve to further divide a nation that is calling out for healing”.

National Guard members assemble in the Capitol Visitor’s Center on Capitol Hill on Wednesday

3 hours ago (20:12 GMT)

Trump ‘will try to remain in the spotlight’: Analyst

If Trump does get impeached and if it goes through to a trial in the Senate, Shawn Zeller of the Congressional Quarterly Magazine told Al Al Jazeera that he believes Trump “will try to remain in the spotlight”.

“He’s a fighter. That’s all he knows how to do, is to punch back. He is never conciliatory, he never apologises,” he said.

“I think he very much intends to stay in the political limelight to retain control over the Republican party as much as possible. I do not think he will resign,” Zeller said.

3 hours ago (19:47 GMT)

Podcast: We are asking, again, will the president be prosecuted?

In the aftermath of the January 6 insurrection on the United States Capitol, Al Jazeera’s The Take podcast asks what comes next?

https://art19.com/shows/4e4a1167-d88f-4ffb-ab1c-20ac555bd5f3/episodes/5ffad0ef-2e4c-4249-aed7-5fe71b66eaf9/embed?theme=dark-orange” style=”width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;” scrolling=”no”>iframe>

4 hours ago (19:26 GMT)

Republican Dan Newhouse says he will vote impeach Trump

Republican Representative Dan Newhouse has said in a tweet that he will vote impeach Trump.

The statement brings the number of House Republicans who have publicly said they will vote for impeachment six.

“A vote against this impeachment is a vote to validate the unacceptable violence we witnessed in our nation’s capital,” he said in a statement.

“It is also a vote condone Trump’s inaction,” Newhouse said. “He did not strongly condemn the attack nor did he call in reinforcements when our officers were overwhelmed.”

“Our country needed a leader, and President Trump failed to fulfill his oath of office,” he added.

My full statement on the House impeachment vote: pic.twitter.com/X74Sgq1Nqu

— Rep. Dan Newhouse (@RepNewhouse) January 13, 2021

4 hours ago (19:08 GMT)

Trump urges ‘NO violence’ at pre-inauguration protests

President Trump, in a statement released by the White House, has urged “NO” violence, lawbreaking and vandalism” at pre-inauguration demonstrations.

The statement comes days after an internal FBI bulletin warned against “armed” protests in all 50 states and the US capital in the days leading up to the January 20 inauguration.

“In light of reports of more demonstrations, I urge that there must be NO violence, NO lawbreaking and NO vandalism of any kind,” said Trump, who has been banned from all mainstream social media.

“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,” he said.

The White House released the statement as the House debated an article of impeachment against. His ally, Representative Jim Jordan, read the statement during the proceedings.

President Donald Trump gave a fiery address to supporters shortly before rioters breached the US Capitol last week

4 hours ago (18:50 GMT)

Top House Republican: Trump ‘bears responsibility’ for Capitol riot, impeachment a ‘mistake’

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy has said Trump’s “bears responsibility” for the deadly Capitol Hill riot, but called impeachment a “mistake”.

“Americans want durable bipartisan justice,” McCarthy said. “That path is still available, but is not the path we are on today.”

“That doesn’t mean the president is free from fault. The president bears responsibility for Wednesday’s attack on Congress by mob rioters,” he said. “They should have immediately denounced the mob when he saw what was unfolding.”

McCarthy said he supports a Congressional fact finding commission.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy walks to the chamber at the Capitol in Washington

5 hours ago (18:21 GMT)

Google to stop selling political ads for foreseeable future

Alphabet Inc’s Google will stop selling political ads referencing US elections across its services until at least January 21, following last week’s violence at the Capitol, according to an email to advertisers seen by Reuters news agency.

The email said the action was taken “following the unprecedented events of the past week and ahead of the upcoming presidential inauguration,” which takes place on January 20.

In a statement, Google said it would “temporarily pause all political ads in addition to any ads referencing impeachment, the inauguration, or protests at the US Capitol.”

The move, to take effect on Thursday, will make no exceptions for news organizations or merchandisers running ads.

5 hours ago (18:11 GMT)

Senate will not convene this week amid Trump impeachment: McConnell spokesman

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell will not use emergency powers to immediately reconvene the chamber this week as the House moves forward with its vote on Trump’s impeachment, his spokesman said in a post on Twitter.

The House is expected to vote Wednesday on impeaching Trump following last week’s riot in the US Capitol, and House Democratic leaders have said they could send it to the Senate as soon as this week.

McConnell spoke to Democratic Minority leader Chuck Schumer to say he would not reconvene the Senate under emergency authorities, almost certainly pushing an impeachment trial for Trump until after he leaves office, his spokesman said.

Can confirm —> https://t.co/l2U1WlyQSF

— Doug Andres (@DougAndres) January 13, 2021

5 hours ago (18:05 GMT)

Schiff: Now is ‘moment’ to protect country

Representative Adam Schiff, a key figure in the first impeachment proceedings against Trump, said “this is one of those moments” for Americans to stand up and protect the country.

“America has been through a civil war, world wars, a great depression, pandemics, McCarthyism, and now a Trumpist and white nationalist insurrection,” he said.

“And yet, our democracy endures, it endures because at every juncture, every pivotal moment, when evil threatened to overtake, good patriotic Americans step forward to say, enough,” he said.

Representative Adam Schiff looks at his phone as he walks on Capitol Hill in Washington

5 hours ago (17:58 GMT)

McClintock: ‘What did Trump actually say?’

Republican Representative Tom McClintock argued that Trump’s speech before the Capitol Hill riot did not amount to inciting violence.

“What did he actually say?” McClintock said, noting that Trump at one point in the speech, said that his supporters would be protesting “peacefully”.

“If we impeached every politician who gave a fiery speech to a crowd of partisans this Capitol would be deserted,” he said. “That’s what the President did, that is all he did. He specifically told the crowd to protest peacefully and patriotically, and the vast majority of them did.”

5 hours ago (17:46 GMT)

Jordan says Dems motivated by ‘politics and the fact they want to cancel the president’

Representative Jim Jordan, the first Republican to speak during the debate on impeachment, accused Democrats of being motivated by “politics and the fact they want to cancel the president”.

Jordan portrayed the second attempt to impeach Trump as the continuation of a Democratic vendetta against the president that preceded the Capitol Hill violence.

“It’s always been about getting the president, no matter what,” he said. He added that Democrats have been obsessed with “cancelling the president and anyone that disagrees with them.”

“And now with just one week left, they’re still trying,” said Jordan who has been the most vocal defender of Trump in the House since the mob attack.

“In seven days, there will be a peaceful transfer of power just like there has been every other time in our country but Democrats are gonna impeach President Trump again. This doesn’t unite the country,” Jordan said.

Representative Jim Jordan, an ally of President Donald Trump, condemned Democrats attempts to impeach Trump

5 hours ago (17:38 GMT)

Pelosi opens debate on impeachment, says Trump ‘clear and present danger’

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has begun a two-hour period of debate proceeding a vote on an article of impeachment against Trump, calling the president a “clear and present danger” to the country.

“We know we experienced the insurrection that violated the sanctity of the People’s capital and attempted to overturn the duly recorded will of the American people,” Pelosi said. “And we know that the President of the United States incited this insurrection this armed rebellion against our common country.”

“He must go,” she said.

Pelosi called the rioters who breached the Capitol “domestic terrorists”.

“Those insurrectionists were not patriots. They were not part of a political base to be catered to. They were domestic terrorists and justice must prevail,” Pelosi said.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi of Calif., walks through Statuary Hall on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

6 hours ago (17:27 GMT)

US House to debate on impeaching Trump after procedural vote passes

The House has voted 221 to 203 to begin debating an article of impeachment against Trump.

Debate will be two hours equally divided between Democrats and Republican.

A final vote on the impeachment of Trump is expected this afternoon.

6 hours ago (17:15 GMT)

Uncertain if Biden wants to see impeachment move forward: Analyst

Matthew Mackowiak, chairman of Potomac Strategy Group told Al Jazeera that one has to consider how holding Trump to account for the riot that occurred on Wednesday could divide the country and bring about potential violence over the next week.

“I was talking to a Republican member of congress yesterday who told me that this week will be worse than last week in terms of violence. That is a really scary thought,” Mackowiak said.“I do believe the inauguration is going to be a very safe event but there could be violent riots at that event as well.

“These are the considerations you have to take into account. When you’re in a leadership position, you don’t get easy decisions,” he said. “I’m not sure if President-elect Joe Biden really wants to see this impeachment move forward.”

“I’m sure he does want to see the president be held accountable, and everyone involved in criminal activity last Wednesday held accountable, but he cannot possibly want additional violence, additional division and additional uncertainty against his administration just one week from today,” Mackowiak said.

President-elect Joe Biden will take office on January 20

6 hours ago (17:00 GMT)

Full text: Donald Trump impeachment resolution

The House is expected vote on an article of impeachment against Trump, accusing him of “incitement of insurrection” for his role in egging on supporters before the Capitol Hill riots.

If the House impeaches Trump, the article will be sent to the US Senate, which is required to hold a trial to determine whether Trump should remain in office or be prevented from holding office in the future.

Red the full text of the article of impeachment here.

Here is the article of impeachment I just introduced, along with 213 colleagues, against President Trump for Incitement of Insurrection.

Most important of all, I can report that we now have the votes to impeach. pic.twitter.com/RaJIjzQSvm

— David Cicilline (@davidcicilline) January 11, 2021

6 hours ago (16:36 GMT)

New York City to cut ties with Trump over incitement

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has said that New York City will cut ties with Trump’s company, citing his incitement of violence at the US Capitol last week.

“The President incited a rebellion against the United States government that killed five people and threatened to derail the constitutional transfer of power,” de Blasio said in a statement. “The City of New York will not be associated with those unforgivable acts in any shape, way or form, and we are immediately taking steps to terminate all Trump Organization contracts.”

Contracts between New York City and the Trump Organization bring the company $17 million a year, according to the Washington Post.

New York City doesn’t do business with insurrectionists.

We’re taking steps to TERMINATE agreements with the Trump Organization to operate the Central Park Carousel, Wollman and Lasker skating rinks, and the Ferry Point Golf Course.

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) January 13, 2021

7 hours ago (16:31 GMT)

Jordan says Cheney should be removed from role: Report

Representative Jim Jordan, who has remained a steadfast defender of Trump, told reporters on Capitol Hill that Representative Liz Cheney, a Republican, should be removed from her role as the party’s third highest ranking member in the chamber.

“I think she’s wrong,” Jordan said of Cheney, the highest ranking House Republican to publicly support impeachment, the Washington Post reported.

When asked about the possible removal of Cheney from the post, Jordan replied House Republicans “ought to vote on that”.

Representative Jamie Raskin talks with Representative Liz Cheney in the US Capitol

7 hours ago (16:08 GMT)

Tracking the business backlash against Trump after Capitol siege

From social media bans to cancelled golf tournaments and city contracts, the business backlash continues after supporters of United States President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol building last week.

The violent siege left at least five people dead and caused extensive damage. Now, Trump is facing a renewed impeachment drive as well as possible removal from office with only eight days to go before his term ends.

It’s a major blow for a reality TV star turned US president who has long boasted of his business acumen and styles himself as a master negotiator.

But Trump and his brand have become increasingly toxic as consumers demand that businesses, politicians, and other powerful figures take a stand against the outgoing US president and the assault on the democracy made in his name.

Here is a list of firms, institutions and cities cutting ties with Trump.

7 hours ago (16:03 GMT)

Airbnb to cancel DC bookings during Inauguration week

Home-sharing giant Airbnb and HotelTonight, which it bought in 2019, are blocking and cancelling all hotel reservations in the Washington DC Metro area during the week of President-elect Biden’s inauguration, it said on Wednesday.

“This decision was informed by inputs from our host community as well as local, state and federal officials,” Airbnb said in a brief statement.

Airbnb said it had banned from its platform some individuals who were found to have ties with hate groups or were involved in last week’s deadly storming of the US Capitol.

“We are aware of reports emerging yesterday afternoon regarding armed militias and known hate groups that are attempting to travel and disrupt the Inauguration,” Airbnb said.

The company did not immediately specify if its decision to block reservations was a result of a request from law enforcement agencies.

AirBnb has said it will cancel and block reservations in the Washington, DC metro area during inauguration week

7 hours ago (15:48 GMT)

House voting on rule preceding debate on article of impeachment

The House is currently voting on a procedural motion that, if passed, will open the chamber to debate on the article of impeachment against Trump.

If the rule vote passes, the House will debate the article of impeachment for two hours before a final vote.

7 hours ago (15:44 GMT)

Republican Representative argues impeachment ‘ignores due process’

Republican Representative Guy Reschenthaler argued on the House floor that impeaching Trump “ignores all precedent and ignores all due process”.

Reschenthaler added: “Trump’s words would not even meet the definition of incitement under criminal statutes.”

Members of the National Guard gather at the US Capitol as the House of Representatives prepares to vote to impeach Trump

7 hours ago (15:40 GMT)

Omar: ‘We cannot simply move past this or turn the page’

Speaking during a debate on rules preceding a debate on the article of impeachment introduced against Trump, Representative Ilhan Omar said of the Capitol Hill riot: “We cannot simply move past this or turn the page.”

“For us to be able to survive as a functioning democracy, there has to be accountability,” she said.

7 hours ago (15:35 GMT)

Hoyer tells reporters as many as 20 Republicans could vote to impeach

House Majority leader Steny Hoyer told reporters on Wednesday he expected between 10 and 20 House Republicans to vote in support of impeaching Trump.

So far, five House Republicans, including ranking member Liz Cheney, have said they intend to join Democrats.

Steny also said he expects the article of impeachment would be sent to the Senate as soon as its passed.

Members of the National Guard were deployed to the US Capitol as Congress debates impeaching Trump

8 hours ago (15:27 GMT)

Spirited impeachment debate underway

Supporters of Trump’s impeachment along with his defenders are taking to the floor of the US House as debate gets underway.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer argued, “There has never been a greater betrayal by a president of the United States of his office and his oath of Constitution – to the Constitution.”

“There is no doubt in my mind that the president of the United States broke his oath and incited this insurrection,” he added.

Ohio Representative Jim Jordan, a steadfast supporter of Trump, argued that Democrats’ accusations are unfair and moving to impeach Trump is “frightening for the country.”

“Democrats can raise bail for rioters and looters this summer, but somehow when Republicans condemn all the violence, the violence this summer, the violence last week, somehow we’re wrong,” Jordan said, citing the Black Lives Matters protests and looting that took place in some cities in the wake of those protests.

“I do not know where all this goes, and this is frightening for the country. We should defeat this rule and defeat the impeachment resolution when it comes up,” Jordan added.

House presiding officer: "All members are reminded to wear face coverings while on the floor."

Apparently, via @MEPFuller, this was directed at Rep. Jim Jordan.

Reminder: C-SPAN does not control cameras in the House chamber. pic.twitter.com/rHVUdYusaK

— Jeremy Art (@cspanJeremy) January 13, 2021

8 hours ago (15:20 GMT)

Some Republican legislators argue impeachment will further divide

While several House Republicans have indicated they support impeaching Trump, others have argued that doing so would further divide the country during the already fraught period.

“I can think of no action the House can take that is more likely to further divide the American people than the action we are contemplating today,” Republican Congressman Tom Cole said during debate on rules proceeding an expected debate on the impeachment article itself.

WATCH LIVE: US House of Representatives meet to consider an article of impeachment against President Donald Trump.

Read more: https://t.co/RPDFsLf6w5 https://t.co/prw4PYIejI

— Al Jazeera News (@AJENews) January 13, 2021

8 hours ago (15:15 GMT)

Debate on ‘rules’ begins ahead of impeachment vote

Debate proceeding a procedural vote, which will kick off debate on the impeachment article itself.

Legislators were expected to debate for one hour.

Opening the proceedings, Democratic Representative Jim McGovern, the chairman of the House Rules Committee, said: “We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the president of the United States.”

McGovern recounted as Congress met to certify the election results at “a rally a mile and-a-half down Pennsylvania Avenue, Donald Trump was stoking the anger of a violent mob.”

“He said Vice President Pence has to come through and told the mob to walk down to the Capitol,” he said.

“We can’t have unity without truth and without accountability,” he said.

8 hours ago (14:40 GMT)

John Kelly says Trump suffering from a ‘manhood’ issue

Trump’s former chief of staff John Kelly has said the president cannot admit to making a mistake because “his manhood is at issue here”.

“I don’t understand it, although I had to deal with it every day,” said Kelly, a retired four-star Marine general, during an event in Des Moines on Tuesday, the Des Moines Register reported.

Trump made his first public appearance on Tuesday, but refused to take responsibility for allegedly egging on rioters before Capitol violence.

“People thought that what I said was totally appropriate,” Trump said.

8 hours ago (14:35 GMT)

Congresswoman accuses colleagues of giving ‘reconnaissance’ tours before Capitol breach

Representative Mikie Sherrill has said she saw members of Congress leading “groups” through the Capitol on January 5, a day before rioters breached the complex, calling it “reconnaissance for the next day”, New Jersey newspaper the Bergen Record reported.

Sherill made the statement during a Tuesday night Facebook live event, adding, “I’m going to see they are held accountable, and if necessary, ensure that they don’t serve in Congress.”

Sherill did not specify if the groups in question were Trump supporters who had come to the Capitol as Congress met to certify the vote.

Pro-Trump rioters stormed the Capitol Building on January 6

9 hours ago (14:20 GMT)

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: ‘I thought was going to die’

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a progressive Democrat, has recounted when rioters breached the US Capitol last week, saying “I thought I was going to die.”

Cortez, in a video posted on her Instagram, said: “I did not know if I was going to make it to the end of that day alive … “Not just in a general sense, but in a very, very specific sense.”

Cortez said she could not further explain her statement, citing “security concerns”, but said firmly “I thought I was going to die”.

9 hours ago (14:05 GMT)

US House opens Trump impeachment session

The Democrat-controlled US House of Representatives on Wednesday opened debate on an historic second impeachment of President Donald Trump over his supporters’ attack of the Capitol that left five dead.

Lawmakers in the lower chamber are expected to vote for impeachment around 3pm (20:00 GMT) – marking the formal opening of proceedings against Trump.

The president is expected to be impeached with bipartisan support.

Alia Chughtai/Al Jazeera

Democrats take control of US Senate after Ossoff, Warnock win

Democrats take control of US Senate after Ossoff, Warnock win

Democratic candidates Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff have won runoff races in the southern state of Georgia, The Associated Press news agency has projected.

The victories will give Democrats control of the US Senate and have national ramifications for President-elect Joseph Biden’s administration when he takes office later this month.

The elections of both candidates are historic. Warnock, 51, who serves as pastor for the same Atlanta church that civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr once led, will become the first Black senator from Georgia in history and the first Black Democrat ever from the American South.

Ossoff will become the first Jewish senator from Georgia. At 33 years old, he will be the youngest senator and the first of the millennial-generation in the chamber.

The races were close. On Wednesday afternoon, the AP said Warnock’s lead over  Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler had reached 1.2 percentage points, or about 62,000 votes. That lead was expected to grow as more votes were counted.

Later on Wednesday, the AP projected Ossoff as the winner against the Republican David Perdue, with a lead of about 25,000 votes or about 0.56 percentage points.

Democratic trifecta

With their victories, Democrats will control the House of Representatives, the White House and now the Senate in 2021, allowing Biden to enact his agenda with less resistance from Republicans.

While the chamber will have 50 Republicans and 50 Democrats (including two independent legislators who caucus with Democrats), Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will serve as tie-breaker.

For the past two months, Republicans and Democrats waged a fierce battle over the state, pouring more than $500m combined into the runoff races to advertise and mobilise voters. The outcome serves as an affirmation that political coalitions and power structures in Georgia – where Republicans have enjoyed dominance for decades – have undergone an enormous shift.

Democratic US Senate candidate Raphael Warnock waves to supporters during a drive-in rally

Democrats, in part thanks to a decade-long effort led by former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams to register hundreds of thousands of new voters, were pushed to victory by high turnout among Black voters and a rapidly increasing population, particularly in the state’s growing cities.

“African Americans made up a larger portion of early voters in this election than they did in the general election,” said Andra Gillespie, an associate professor of political science at Emory University in Atlanta. “That suggests mobilisation efforts improved that were targeting these particular groups. And that bodes well for Democrats.”

The election will change Washington

The outcome of Georgia’s elections will have significant national implications in Washington that will affect federal policy and shape Biden’s ability to govern as president.

“Republicans lost the primary check they could hope to have on Biden in the most productive part of this presidency,” said Liam Donovan, a Republican strategist and former adviser on Senate campaigns. “People are still grappling with the fact that it really happened. It’s still surreal to be talking about and thinking about two Democratic senators from Georgia.”

With a Democratic majority in the Senate, Biden will enjoy more liberty in who he nominates for his cabinet, judicial nominations and in legislation than he would have with Republicans still in control.

“This is absolutely critical to Biden’s success. With these victories he gets to control the flow of legislation to the Senate floor, run the committees and control the investigative and oversight process, as well,” said Jim Manley, a former aide to retired Democratic Senator Harry Reid, who served as Senate majority leader from 2007-2015.

In Washington, work is already in motion to act on news of the Democratic victories in Georgia. In a news conference Wednesday, New York Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer, the incoming Senate majority leader, said he would work with Biden to pass a stimulus bill to provide relief during the COVID-19 pandemic, promising to send $2,000 checks to Americans as an early act of the new Congress.

“President Biden and Vice President-elect Harris will have a partner in me and my caucus who is ready, willing and able to help achieve a forward-looking agenda and deliver bold change to the American people,” Schumer said. “For too long, much-needed help has been stalled and diluted by a Republican-led Senate and President Trump. That will change with a Democratic Senate, a Democratic House and a Democratic president.”

The Democratic majority does not, however, mean Biden will not face congressional roadblocks and restrictions to his ambitions. Republicans will still have the power to stall and even halt legislation through the filibuster, which requires 60 votes in the Senate to overcome.

“From a legislative standpoint, you’re still at the mercy of Senate rules and the filibuster,” said Donovan. “But what it does allow you to do is unlock important tools that can operate on a majority basis.”

One of those tools is the Democrats’ ability to pass their initiatives using “budget reconciliation,” a legislative loophole that allows policymakers to approve a limited scope of goals with just a majority in the Senate.

“This is the one neat trick to get around the Senate’s requirement to have 60 votes,” Donovan said.

New York Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer walks on Capitol Hill in Washington

Trump to blame

Republicans, still recovering from the pair of losses – and the demotion to minority status in the Senate – largely blame Trump for failure in the runoffs.

Although the president rallied for the Republican candidates by visiting Georgia twice since November, he simultaneously waged a months-long grievance campaign that aimed to turn the integrity of the state’s election process into doubt. Trump publicly berated Georgia’s Republican election officials and Governor Brian Kemp – also a Republican – for running what he called a “rigged” election when he lost to Biden in November (His complaints were not backed by facts or any evidence of widespread fraud).

Trump’s relentless attacks on party officials may have planted doubts among Republicans that their vote would be fairly counted, and it could have reduced turnout.

The weekend before the election, Trump even tried to pressure Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to “find” extra votes for him months after his loss, pulling attention away from the Republican candidates’ crucial get-out-the-vote efforts.

“The president of the United States spent more time attacking Gov. Kemp and Ben Raffensperger than he did Raphael Warnock and … Ossoff,” said Gabriel Sterling, who oversees Georgia’s voting systems, during a press conference Wednesday. “It irritates me …While Republicans were busy attacking the governor and my boss, the Democrats were out there knocking on doors and getting people to turn out to vote.”

Warnock and Ossoff will be sworn in once their victories are certified later this month.