Friends —

More than 30 years ago, Lisa and I got married in a little church called St. Johns across the street from the White House. And while I was saddened to learn that it incurred minor damage by a small fire during the early days of the protests, I was horrified when I watched the President send in federal police in riot gear to gas peaceful protestors so he could hold up a Bible for a cheap photo-op.

The President’s actions were an insult to the First Amendment, which protects the rights of Americans to assemble, speak out, and hold our government accountable. We are seeing our Constitution in action around the country as Americans of every race, religion, and background are calling for racial justice through peaceful protests, and we must defend their right to do so.

That’s why I’m demanding the Trump administration stop using police and military force against Americans peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights. Will you join me?

People across the country are speaking out to condemn the shocking use of force against peaceful protesters fighting for racial justice. This week, more than 1,200 former Justice Department employees went a step further and called for an official investigation into Attorney General William Barr’s role in the incident. And several members of the Trump administration, including the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff have apologized for their participation in this shameful stunt. Unfortunately the President and Attorney General are doubling down, and that means we need to continue to stand up for our First Amendment.

Friends, we can’t allow the President, the Attorney General, or anyone in the Trump administration to abuse their authority and violate the constitutional rights they swore to defend. In the Senate, I’m working to make sure we limit the President’s power to use force against peaceful protestors exercising their constitutional rights, and I encourage you to join me in that effort today.

Add your name now to demand that the Trump administration honor the First Amendment rights of all Americans.

Thank you,

Mark Warner