Trump impeachment trial live updates: Biden says charge 'not in dispute' in 1st comments on acquittal

Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowksi of Alaska, one of six Republicans to vote Tuesday the trial is constitutional, asked in writing when did Trump learn of the breach of the Capitol and what specific actions did he take to bring the rioting to an end. She also asked that they be "as detailed as possible."

Trump attorney Michael van der Veen answered for the defense but did not provide a clear answer of Trump's action, pointing to an afternoon tweet before slamming the managers' case.

"With the rush to bring this impeachment, there's been absolutely no investigation into that, and that’s the problem with this entire proceeding. The House managers did zero investigation and the American people deserve a lot better than coming in here with no evidence -- hearsay on top of hearsay on top of reports that are of hearsay. Due process is required here and that was denied," he said.

However, party leaders agreed before the trial that due process was reached, according to multiple statements from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. House managers have also argued that the senators, acting as jurors, were all witnesses to the attack.

Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., asked if it was true that in the months leading up to Jan. 6 dozens of courts, including federal and state courts, rejected Trump's campaign efforts to overturn the election.

"That is true," Lead House Manager Jamie Raskin, D-Md., said. "I want to be clear though that we have absolutely no problem with President Trump having pursued his belief that the election was being stolen."

Raskin went on to reiterate that Trump lost in 61 straight cases in federal and state courts, including courts in Pennsylvania, Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada and Wisconsin.

"When he crossed over from non-violent means, no matter how ridiculous or absurd -- that's fine, he's exercising his rights," Raskin added. "To inciting violence. That's what this trial is about."

Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., and Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, asked Trump's defense whether a politician raising bail for rioters encourages more rioters.

"Does a politician raising bail for rioters encourage more rioting?" the Senate clerk read.

Bruce Castor, Jr of Trump's defense responded simply, "yes."

The first question in writing at Trump's second impeachment trial came from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., to the House impeachment managers.

"Is not the case that the violent attack and siege on the Capitol on Jan. 6 would not have happened if not for the conduct of President Trump," read presiding officer Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., president pro tempore of the Senate.

House impeachment manager Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, approached the lectern on behalf of the group.

"To answer your question very directly, Donald Trump summoned the mob. He assembled the mob and he lit the flame. Everything that followed was because of his doing. And although he could have immediately and forcefully intervened to stop the violence, he never did," Castro said. "In other words, this violent, bloody insurrection that occurred on Jan. 6 would not have occurred but for President Trump."

Castro emphasized their argument that the attack "did not happen by accident" and the "mob did not come out of thin air," citing Trump's repeated false claims of election fraud and calls to his supporters to "stop the steal."

He called the situation Trump created leading up to the Jan. 6 rally "incredibly combustible."

"He looked out the sea of thousands, some in body armor, with flagpoles, some of which beat Capitol Police with, and told them they could play by different rules," he said. "Once the attack began, insurgent after insurgent made clear they were following president orders."