Riot police clear protesters with tear gas for Trump’s church photo op, drawing outrage
Police officers hold a perimeter near the White House as demonstrators gather to protest the killing of George Floyd on June 1, 2020 in Washington, DC. (OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)
Riot police in Washington, D.C., used tear gas to clear protesters from a park near the White House as President Trump vowed to crack down on the demonstrations.
Around 6:30 p.m., a half hour before the city’s 7 p.m. curfew, police used tear gas, rubber bullets, shields and horses to force protesters out of Lafayette Park before Trump made an address from the Rose Garden.
The police action continued as Trump vowed to be a “law and order” president. He said he would “mobilize” federal resources to “dominate the streets” and bring a “stop [to] the rioting and looting.”
Earlier, video showed D.C. police beginning to advance and push a crowd of demonstrators away from a location where they had amassed.
The officers are in full riot gear, complete with helmets, body armor and carrying shields.
Crowd is now advancing on riot police. Throwing projectiles towards them
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Within minutes, the crowd began to re-congregate and reportedly throw objects at the police.
White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere later explained in a statement the actions against protesters.
“The perimeter was expanded to help enforce the 7 p.m. curfew in the same area where rioters attempted to burn down one of our nation’s most historic churches the night before. Protesters were given three warnings by the U.S. Park Police,” Deere said, according to NPR.
The use of tear gas and rubber bullets by law enforcement on the peaceful protesters before Trump’s visit drew criticism from political leaders.
Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden tweeted his disgust: “He’s using the American military against the American people. He tear-gassed peaceful protesters and fired rubber bullets. For a photo."
“Tonight the President of the United States used the American military to shoot peaceful protestors with rubber bullets & tear gas them. For a photo op,” Hillary Clinton added in a tweet.
“This is a horrifying use of presidential power against our own citizens, & has no place anywhere, let alone in America. Vote.”
“The President of the United States tear-gassed peaceful protestors in order to clear the way for a useless photo-op outside the White House— just after vowing to activate the military against our own people. Lives and our democracy are in danger,” Elizabeth Warren said.
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