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Some of Trump’s supporters were clad in tactical gear, armed with ziplines. Others held Trump 2020 flags, smashed windows with poles, and set up a gallows for Pence, who was constitutionally obligated to oversee the certification of the 2020 presidential election and the peaceful transfer of power to the Democrats.
But even after witnessing the deadly violence and remembering it again at the crime scene, many Republican senators did not appear any closer on Wednesday to condemning former President Donald Trump for “inciting insurrection”.
While struck by the presentation of the impeachment officials, these Republicans said House Democrats had failed to prove Trump’s words led to the violent actions. They compared the January 6 riot to the racial justice protests last summer and criticized how the trial is handled.
Senator Lindsey Graham said he couldn’t believe “we could lose the Capitol like this,” but added that didn’t change his mind about whether to acquit Trump during the trial.
“I think there are more acquittal votes after today than yesterday,” said the South Carolina Republican.
Senator Mike Braun said the visual presentation of managers was “fascinating,” adding: “It’s just as difficult to take now as it was then.” But when asked if that changed his mind, the Indiana Republican said, “When you think the process is flawed in the first place, I think it’s going to be different to come up with a conclusion on the facts and the substance itself. “
“They have spent a lot of time focusing on the horrific acts of violence committed by criminals, but the president’s remarks fall short of the legal standard of incitement,” Cruz said of the presentation of the responsible. .
The comments are the latest indication of the significant hurdles Democrats face in securing the 67 votes needed to condemn Trump – with 17 Republicans needed to break ranks if all 50 Democrats vote to condemn the former president and then prevent him from taking over. its functions. .
“I think you get six Republicans at best – probably five and maybe six,” GOP Senator Tim Scott told CNN when asked if the video and footage changed his mind about the conviction. of Trump. When asked if he considers himself an impartial juror, the South Carolina Republican said, “I think I am as impartial as the 99 others.”
Cassidy, facing backlash among local Republicans for this vote, dismissed the idea that GOP grunts might influence her vote, saying, “My first loyalty is to the Constitution.” He added that he had not yet made a decision on the sentencing.
“I’m angry, I’m upset,” Murkowski said of the video. “The evidence that has been presented is quite overwhelming.”
In a speech before the Capitol rampage, Trump urged his supporters “to bring your voices peacefully and patriotically” but also to “fight like hell”, “never give up” and “never concede.” Days earlier, he tweeted that “the ‘Surrender Caucus’ within the Republican Party will remain infamy as our nation’s weak and ineffective ‘gatekeepers’, who were prepared to accept certification of fraudulent presidential numbers!” He repeatedly told his supporters to “stop the theft!”
During the riot, Trump tried to call Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville to delay certification of his loss and said Pence lacked the “courage to do what should have been done to protect our country. and our Constitution “.
A number of Republicans seemed impressed with impeachment officials, after sharply criticizing the president’s defense team on Tuesday for their lack of a consistent response.
South Dakota Senator John Thune, the minority whip and GOP leadership, said House directors had done an “effective job” and “connected the dots” of Trump’s words to the ‘insurrection.
“Obviously very disturbing to see the great violence to which our Capitol Police and others are subjected,” Romney said. “It tears your heart apart and brings tears to your eyes. It was extremely painful and moving.”
The Utah Republican said he was “lucky” to see Goodman there and then spoke to him Wednesday in the Senate. “I expressed my gratitude to him for helping me and getting me back on the road to safety.”
But when asked if the scenes shown would change the minds of his fellow Republicans, Romney replied, “I can’t predict how others will react.”
For most Republican senators, Wednesday’s presentation did not appear to affect how they will vote. Many have publicly stated that the trial is unconstitutional since Trump is now a former president and the penalty for conviction is impeachment. If found guilty, however, Trump could also face a Senate vote barring him from serving public office again.
Yet GOP senators, including Marco Rubio of Florida, would only say that Trump bears “some responsibility” for the riot and have argued that the Senate should play no role in trying a former president.
“Who would not be?” asked Sen. Ron Johnson, a Republican from Wisconsin, when asked if he was shaken by the footage he saw on Wednesday.
But when asked if he held Trump responsible, Johnson replied, “I hold these people responsible.”
CNN’s Ryan Nobles, Ted Barrett, Sarah Fortinsky, Ali Zaslav, Ali Main, Kristin Wilson and Lauren Fox contributed to this report.
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