After voting to acquit ex-president Trump on charges of inciting the Capitol riot last Jan. 06, Sen. Mitch McConnell delivered a speech blaming Trump. Although, the Kentucky senator’s vote couldn’t have changed the outcome of Trump’s second impeachment trial, because the count still wouldn’t have reached the required ⅔ majority for a guilty verdict. Still, many question McConnell’s motive for delivering a speech conveying that he believes Trump was responsible for the Jan. 06 riot.

The former Senate Majority leader said

“This (The riot) was the peak of the intense conspiracy theories encouraged by the former president, all bent on reversing the people’s decision or otherwise intended to bring down institutions on his way out. Furthermore, Trump’s unreasonable behavior didn’t cease even when there was already violence taking place.”

McConnell Wants Trump Tried by Way of Judicial Systems

McConnell tried to defend his “Not Guilty” vote by saying that the obligatory sentencing is not applicable to Trump as he has already left the office. McConnell is of the opinion that the process of impeachment pertains to removal from office. He asserts that Trump is still not free from being held accountable for the results of his actions while in office. He cited that there is a dispute resolution in the country, which do exempt former presidents from being held accountable.

Based on the overall context of his post-acquittal speech, it seems the senate Minority Leader wants the Justice Department to take on the cudgel of prosecuting Trump — along with the Trump supporters who participated in the Jan. 06 Capitol riot.