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On the night of Monday, June 1st, United States Park Police aggressively dispersed peaceful protesters in D.C.'s Lafayette Square to facilitate a photo op for President Trump in front of a historic church. The aggressive actions, which involved tear gas, also forced clergy out of the church.
The Park Police functions as a unit of the National Park Service under the Department of the Interior. Numerous eyewitnesses confirm that tear gas was used, in addition to the fact that the protest was non-violent prior to actions taken by the Park Police. Such aggressive actions go against the right to protest and peaceably assemble as protected in the Bill of Rights, resulting in calls for Secretary Bernhardt to resign if he knew of plans to use the Park Service in a manner against the Constitution.
Members of Congress have responded to the event by demanding answers, writing that "this grossly irresponsible action put bystanders, unarmed protesters, clergy, and other law enforcement agents in danger," and adding that Park Police "must not be used as a tool to perpetuate institutional racism or commit violence against the American people."
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If Secretary Bernhardt knew of plans to use the Park Service to gas peaceful protesters and clergy so the president could cross the street for a photo op, he must resign."
