Lafayette Square: Protesters Gassed for Bible Photo Op

Overview

On June 1, 2020, the United States was eight days into nationwide protests over the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers. The protests in Washington included large crowds at Lafayette Square, across the street from the White House.

At approximately 6:30 PM — 30 minutes before the 7 PM curfew that would have legally required the crowd to disperse — federal officers moved on the square using chemical agents, rubber bullets, and physical force. The protesters were peaceful. They were within their legal rights until 7 PM.

Once the square was cleared, the President walked out to hold up a Bible.

What the Bishop Said

Mariann Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, had not been notified that her church would be used for a presidential photo opportunity. She told NPR she was "outraged" and said that Trump had used her church as a "prop." She noted that he did not pray.

St. John's Church, known as the "Church of Presidents," had been used by presidents for private worship across U.S. history. It had not been used as a backdrop for riot-cleared political photography.

What the Generals Said

Mark Milley participated in the walk. He is the highest-ranking U.S. military officer. In a graduation speech delivered 10 days later, he said his presence was "a mistake" and that the military must not be used to suppress American citizens' rights.

Mark Esper, as Defense Secretary, publicly stated he opposed deploying active-duty troops against protesters. He broke with Trump's explicit desire to "dominate" the streets. He was fired several months later.

James Mattis, who had resigned the previous year, described Trump as the first president in his lifetime who makes no effort to unite the country — and called the deployment of military force against protesters a "threat to the Constitution."