Federal Officers Tear-Gas Peaceful Protesters Near White House for Trump Photo Op

On June 1, 2020, federal law enforcement officers used tear gas, pepper balls, and mounted police to forcibly clear peaceful protesters from Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C., minutes before the lawful curfew. The action allowed President Trump to walk to St. John's Church for a photo opportunity holding a Bible. The chair of the Joint Chiefs later apologized for his presence. A federal judge ruled in 2021 that the clearing violated protesters' First Amendment rights. The incident was condemned by former Defense Secretary James Mattis.