House managers conclude case in Trump impeachment trial News
Photo credit: Stephanie Sundier
House managers conclude case in Trump impeachment trial

House impeachment managers concluded their case Thursday, advocating for the conviction of former president Donald Trump in his second Senate trial.

“The world is watching us and wondering whether our constitutional republic is going to respond the way it should,” impeachment manager Joaquin Castro emphasized as the Senate jurors consider convicting Trump of incitement of insurrection.

Castro, along with eight other managers, argue that Trump’s January 6 speech encouraged rioters to storm the US Capitol as members of Congress certified the 2020 US Presidential Election. Trump’s legal team contends the Senate does not have jurisdiction to convict nor is the former President responsible for the attack.

Several managers offered remarks, including lead manager Jamie Raskin, who characterized the evidence as “overwhelming, detailed, specific, factual, and documentary,” and suggested jurors use common sense as they contemplate Trump’s conduct on the day of the riot.

Thursday’s arguments marked the third day of the trial. House impeachment managers presented evidence on Wednesday, showing new security footage of rioters entering the US Capitol and coming within close distance of members of Congress.

Managers also rejected Trump’s argument that his statements were protected as free speech, calling inconsistent with the Constitution and asserting that it could set a dangerous precedent moving forward.

Trump’s legal team will be offering their defense of the charges beginning Friday.