US: Senate Democratic leader demands Trump's ouster

WASHINGTON

House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi joined a chorus of Democratic lawmakers who demanded President Donald Trump's removal from office Thursday after violent protests.

Pelosi, a Democrat from the state of California, said Trump committed "unspeakable assault" on the US nation, and said that Vice President Mike Pence should act to invoke the amendment.

"If the vice president and the Cabinet do not act, the Congress may be prepared to move forward with impeachment," she told reporters.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said earlier the outgoing president "should not hold office one day longer."

Schumer said in a statement that the storming of the Capitol building Wednesday was an "insurrection against the United States, by the president."

Trump should be immediately removed from office, either by the 25th Amendment or impeachment, he said.

"The quickest and most effective way—it can be done today—to remove this president from office would be for the Vice President to immediately invoke the 25th amendment. If the Vice President and the Cabinet refuse to stand up, Congress must reconvene to impeach President Trump," said the incoming leader of the Senate.

The amendment says in case of the removal of the president from office or of his death or resignation, the vice president shall become the president.

The president can be removed if the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet determine he is "unable to discharge the powers and duties" of the office.

Schumer’s demand came after hundreds of pro-Trump protestors stormed the Capitol building and ensuing violence resulted in the deaths of four people.

Seventeen Democrats in the House sent a letter Wednesday to Pence asking for Trump to be removed from office.

Led by David Cicilline from the state of Rhode Island and Ted Lieu of California, the group said Trump has shown he is unwilling to protect democracy and carry out the duties of the presidential office.

More than 50 people have been arrested, and dozens of injuries were reported.

Trump and his political allies have for months alleged that the election was rigged and nothing but “fraud.”

Separately, Pelosi said the House Sergeant at Arms will submit his resignation after the security breach and will request the resignation of Capitol Police Chief Steven Sound.