Orders peaceful protesters tear-gassed for Bible photo op

Federal law enforcement officers violently cleared peaceful protesters from Lafayette Square using tear gas and rubber bullets to allow Trump to walk to St. John's Church for a photo opportunity holding a Bible. The aggressive removal of demonstrators occurred before the curfew had taken effect, purely for a staged political moment. Military leaders later apologized for their presence, and the incident became a symbol of Trump's willingness to use state violence against citizens for political optics.

"We have the greatest country in the world." — Statement while holding Bible at St. John's Church, June 1, 2020