SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KTXL) — Protesters across the country spent Tuesday night demonstrating for President Donald Trump’s impeachment.
Hundreds of demonstrators rallied against the president at the California State Capitol on the eve of the historic proceedings.
“We need to take our country back,” said Sacramento resident Karen Sergent.
Protesters held signs reading “impeach,” “no one’s above the law” and “lock him up.”
“We’re not going to be silent and we are out here,” Sergent said. “He may be loud but we’re still here.”
The House of Representatives is set to vote on two articles of impeachment against the president Wednesday, accusing him of abuse of power and obstructing Congress.
Many in Tuesday’s crowd believed President Trump is guilty.
“Many Americans are very concerned about the president’s behavior in office and, particularly, about the impact that might have on free and fair elections in the future,” said local resident Sandra Aamodt. “And we need to send a clear message that that’s not acceptable.”
“Very much a nonpartisan issue. I am a big fan of the Constitution, I’m a big fan of democracy,” said resident Kate Laddish. “And I think the Congress doing what the Congress needs to do with this is very important for our society and our political system to continue.”
But not everyone gathered near the Capitol thought impeachment was the right move.
“It’s a waste of time and money for the taxpayers and all the people doing the impeachment proceedings. It’s a total waste of time,” said Sacramento resident Shawn McMurry.
Supporters said the House fell short of proving an impeachable offense.
“The fact is that the House Democrats, Adam Schiff and Nadler have not proven their case,” said Republican strategist Tim Rosales. “There were no crimes committed. In fact, they have produced a report where they essentially said that no crimes were committed.”
As the vote heads to the House, pro-impeachment protesters called on their representatives to put morality first and politics aside.
“We hope he’s impeached and we hope that he gets a fair trial in the Senate and the Senators vote their conscience, not their party,” Sergent said.
As of Tuesday night, the Associated Press was reporting the Democrats had enough votes to carry out an impeachment. No Republicans have yet indicated plans to vote in favor of impeaching President Trump.
