Washington on security lockdown as House debates Trump’s impeachment

The US House of Representatives aims votes later Wednesday to impeach President Trump over last week’s Capitol riot by his supporters. Several Republicans including Rep. Liz Cheney say they will join the Democrats in the impeachment vote, which would be Trump’s second. After the first time, he was acquitted by the Senate. The drive to impeach Trump takes place seven days before his term ends and Joe Biden is sworn in as president. National Guardsmen are highly visible amid tight security in and around Capitol Hill. Pro-Trump protesters are reported to be forming up at the Capitols of all 50 states.

Convicting the president and removing him from office requires a two-third majority in the Senate, where the Democrats hold only half the seats. If it is passed there, too. Trump could be barred from holding public office again.