Tag

#Lafayette-Square

2 incidents

Grade 3 of 5: Serious Rights Violation

George Floyd Protests: Lafayette Square Clearing, Militarized Response, Threat to Invoke Insurrection Act

The clearing of Lafayette Square occurred approximately 30 minutes before the 7:00 PM curfew was to take effect. Independent investigators and journalists documented that the protesters were peaceful at the time of the clearing. The Park Police used pepper balls and OC spray; the Interior Inspector General found three dispersal warnings were broadcast by loudspeaker but not everyone could hear them, and that CS gas used nearby on 17th Street was deployed by D.C. police. Trump had convened a call with governors the same day, calling them 'weak' and urging them to 'dominate' protesters. Attorney General Barr appeared in person to supervise the clearing. The Bible photo-op that followed was condemned by Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde, whose church was used as a prop without her knowledge or consent.

Grade 3 of 5: Serious Rights Violation

Lafayette Square: Federal Officers Forcibly Clear Protesters Before Curfew, Minutes Before Trump's Church Photo Op

Tear gas, pepper spray, and mounted police were deployed against peaceful protesters who were within their legal rights to be in Lafayette Square until the 7 PM curfew. The clearing operation began approximately 30 minutes before the curfew. Once the square was cleared, Trump walked out of the White House to St. John's Church, stood in front of it holding a Bible, and had photographs taken. The Episcopal bishop whose church was used said she was 'outraged' and had not been notified. Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley later apologized for participating in the walk. Defense Secretary Esper publicly opposed using active-duty troops as Trump had suggested.