Garamendi calls for Trump's removal from office
Congressman says Trump committed two impeachable offenses.
(File photo by Matthew Keys/Solano NewsNet)
Congressman John Garamendi has joined a growing chorus of federal and state lawmakers in calling for the removal of President Donald Trump from office following Wednesday’s violent siege at the U.S. Capitol building.
The encouragement was made via Rep. Garamendi’s Twitter profile on Thursday.
“After yesterday’s violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol that was incited by [Trump], I’m calling for members of the president’s cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment,” Garamendi wrote, adding that he was also “calling upon Congress to quickly pursue articles of impeachment.”
Garamendi said Trump’s potential impeachment is supported by two alleged offenses: The pressuring of Georgia election officials to “find” more than 11,000 votes that arguably might have impacted the 2020 election, and the inciting of a violent mob who breached the outer security perimeter at the U.S. Capitol during a pro-Trump rally on Wednesday.
Hundreds of Trump supporters ransacked offices and other places of legislative business during the hours-long siege. An Air Force veteran from San Diego became one of five confirmed fatalities connected to the siege when she was critically injured in a shooting with federal protective services at the entrance of a Congressional chamber.
Dozens of people have been arrested for unlawful entry and other offenses related to the siege, and several news reports indicated Trump may be investigated by federal law enforcement for comments he made to supporters at a rally that took place before the Capitol siege.
On Wednesday, a source close to Rep. Garamendi told Solano NewsNet that the Congressman was safe during the siege. All of Garamendi’s staff members were likewise accounted for and safe, the source said.
The siege occurred as members of Congress were working to certify President-Elect Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 election. Biden’s win was eventually certified hours later after federal public safety officials declared the Capitol safe. Trump conceded to Biden early Friday morning and declared his intention to remain absent from the upcoming inauguration on January 20.
This newsletter is an all-volunteer effort. If you would like to show your appreciation, consider making a donation in any amount or converting your email subscription into a paid one.
Discuss this newsletter and other stories from across Solano County on our Facebook group here and follow our Twitter account here.