Senators vote that Trump impeachment trial is constitutional following debate

Acting Sergeant at Arms Timothy Blodgett, right, leads Representative. Jamie Raskin, second from right, the lead Democratic House impeachment manager, and other impeachment managers, through the Rotunda to the Senate (Alex Brandon/AP)

Donald Trump’s historic second impeachment trial opened in the US Senate with graphic video of the deadly January 6 attack on Congress and the defeated former president whipping up a rally crowd — “We’re going to walk down to the Capitol!” — as he encouraged a futile fight over his presidency.

The lead House prosecutor told senators the case would present “cold, hard facts” against Mr Trump, who is charged with inciting the siege of the Capitol to overturn the election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden.