Shocking video behind the prosecution case in Trump impeachment trial
‘After this, we are going to walk down [to the Capitol], and I’ll be there with you,’ said Trump at his rally
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.House Democrats said the Capitol attack took place on the instructions of Donald Trump, presenting videos and social-media posts as they wrapped up their arguments that the former president committed an impeachable act.
On the third day of the impeachment hearing, Democrats played a series of videos from the 6 January, making a case that the statements from the rioters caught on camera made it clear "that the attack was done for Donald Trump, at his instructions and to fulfil his wishes”.
“They truly believed that the whole intrusion was at the president’s orders, and we know that because they said so,” said representative Diana Degette.
“Many of them actually posed for pictures, bragging about it on social media and they tagged Mr Trump in tweets,” the Colorado representative added. “Folks, this was not a hidden crime, the president told them to be there and so they actually believed they would face no punishment.”
The impeachment manager then played the video of Mr Trump’s “Save America” rally before the crowd began descending upon the Capitol, where the former president can be heard asking supporters to go there.
“After this, we are going to walk down, and I’ll be there with you,” Mr Trump says as the jubilant crowd cheers. “We are going to walk down to the Capitol.” The crowd can be heard cheering “take the Capitol.”
In another video, Mr Trump can be heard encouraging the crowd to go by “very different rules” to protect our constitution.
Democratic managers said that the country risked future violent upheaval — including more attacks on the Capitol and other federal buildings — unless the Senate voted to convict Mr Trump.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments