More PA Lawmakers Push For Trump's Ouster

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Three more Democratic members of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation are recommending President Donald Trump's ouster in the wake of Wednesday's deadly rioting at the U.S. Capitol.

Representatives Dwight Evans and Brendan Boyle, both of Philadelphia, and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan of Chester County all favor using the Constitution's 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office. Taking that step would require Vice President Mike Pence and the president's Cabinet voting to oust Trump due to an inability to carry out his duties.

They have joined Pennsylvania Sen. Robert Casey and Democratic U.S. representatives Mike Doyle of Allegheny County, Mary Gay Scanlon of Delaware County and Madeline Dean of Montgomery and Berks counties in wanting Trump gone before his term expires on Jan. 20. Nationally, 199 Democratic representatives, 38 Democratic senators and one Republican senator want Trump removed, according to CNN.

Evans, Boyle and Houlahan announced via Twitter their desire to oust Trump. Evans said he would be willing to sponsor articles of impeachment as well.

Casey, Pennsylvania's senior senator, on Thursday called Trump "a threat to our domestic and national security."

"It is self-evident that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office," he said. "I call on Vice President Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment and begin the process of removing the powers of the presidency from Donald Trump."

Republican Pat Toomey, the state's junior senator, has not commented on whether he believes Trump should be removed.

The rioting occurred as insurrectionists loyal to Trump caused the temporary suspension of Electoral College proceedings to confirm Joe Biden as the nation's 46th president and also involved the deaths of five people. Trump is being blamed for inciting the incident with his rhetoric shortly before the incident.

House Democrats on Friday gathered to discuss a quick impeachment of Trump if the 25th Amendment isn't used to remove him first. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California said the House would move to impeach President Trump if he did not resign immediately. Pelosi urged Republicans to join the effort to force Trump from office.

The meeting came shortly after Trump announced he would not attend Biden's inauguration.

Meanwhile, CNN reported that a federal murder investigation is expected to be opened into the death of U.S. Capitol Police officer Brian D. Sicknick, who died Thursday night. He died at approximately 9:30 p.m. ET Thursday "due to injuries sustained while on-duty," Capitol Police officials said in a statement.

Contributing: Tim Moran/Patch.