The Guardian view on Trump’s second impeachment: uneasy, but essential | Editorial

Though the former president will likely be acquitted again, the truly dangerous course would be failing to try him

The evidence is clear and compelling. The deadly events of 6 January speak for themselves - as the dramatic video which launched the proceedings against the former president on Tuesday showed. There was visceral shock around the world as events unfolded that day: as Donald Trump urged people to fight like hell" and to march on the Capitol; as he instructed them that When you catch someone in fraud, you are allowed to go by very different rules"; and as mass violence followed. But what was seen in real time has been compounded by the evidence since amassed.

We know more about the trauma experienced by those trapped inside the building and the injuries suffered by law enforcement officers protecting them. We know more about the intent and violence of the mob who arrived with weapons, zip ties and pipe bombs, yelling where the fuck are they?" and Hang Mike Pence" as they invaded. Above all, we have more evidence, in their own words, of what - or rather who - motivated them: You are outnumbered ... and we are listening to Trump - your boss," one of the mob told police. And we know more about how Mr Trump delayed as aides and allies pressed him to call for peace.