On eve of historic vote, protesters rally nationwide to impeach Trump

Dec. 18 (UPI) -- On the eve of a historic vote, protesters in cities nationwide took to the streets on Tuesday night to support the House's resolution to impeach President Donald Trump.

In New York City, thousands marched through Times Square with a giant banner inscribed with Article II, Section 4, of the U.S. Constitution that concerns impeachment.

In Boston, hundreds braved the rain to listen to speakers oppose Trump and chant, "Hey hey, ho ho, Donald Trump has to go!"

The protests were among about 600 in the United States Tuesday night, said event organizer Nobody is Above the Law -- a network of dozens of groups, including the Women's March and the Center for American Progress.

The network said the House vote on Wednesday will be a historic moment that will shape the trajectory of the United States, and it wants to ensure the public's voice is heard.

"We need to make sure that the public support for impeachment that has driven Congress to act is part of that moment and is the closing argument members of Congress hear before they cast their vote," the network states on its website.

The House will vote on two articles of impeachment charging Trump of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, for threatening to withhold promised military aid to Ukraine unless it agreed to investigate Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden. Trump also pressed Kiev to examine Biden's son, Hunter, who formerly served on the board of a Ukrainian gas company.

In Michigan, hundreds of protesters demonstrated in Detroit and Ferndale, waving flags, carrying signs and marching along the streets chanting, "Lock him up."

"We're going to keep fighting until Trump is removed from office," activist Jessica Prozinski told protesters in downtown Detroit.

In downtown Los Angeles, hundreds gathered in Grand Park outside City Hall in support of impeachment, with actor and filmmaker Rob Reiner telling those assembled that Trump's time has run out.

"We will make sure that not only is he impeached, but he will be removed from office," he said.

Actress Alyssa Milano was also there leading chants and broadcasting the event live by Twitter.

Earlier Tuesday, Trump condemned the impeachment vote in a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, saying the effort is the equivalent of "declaring open war on American democracy."

If the vote passes the House Wednesday, as expected, the Republican-controlled Senate will try Trump on the articles. A conviction on either article would remove Trump from office.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has said he's working with the White House on an impeachment strategy.

Near Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in South Florida, activist Pat Barnes, who carried a "Merry Impeachment" sign, said she believes the Senate will convict Trump.

"I think if the senators voted with their conscience instead of with their party, they would remove him from office," she said.