Protests Continue Outside Of White House Following Explosive Day

Protesters made their way towards the White House once again Tuesday as anger over the death of George Floyd continues to grip the nation.

Mayor Muriel E. Bowser spoke out against the use of force by law enforcement officials in order to clear the way for President Trump’s walk to Lafayette Square. He then paused for a photo in front of St John’s Episcopal Church after protesters had left the area.

“We were very shocked and quite frankly outraged that people who were not violating the curfew and who did not seem to have provoked attack were attacked and moved out by the federal law enforcement officials who were directed to clear the way for the president,” she said during an interview with CNN.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla) had his own take on the incident, saying protesters intentionally stayed in the area after curfew in order to create a narrative that they had been attacked.

“Many in the media fell for the calculated & deliberated tactics of professional agitators,” he tweeted Monday afternoon. “They knew the street needed to be cleared before 7pm curfew.”

A fence was eventually set up around Lafayette Square on Monday night.

Former Vice President Joe Biden was critical of the president’s actions during a speech at Philadelphia City Hall on Tuesday morning.

“When peaceful protesters are dispersed by the order of the president from the doorstep of the people’s house, the White House — using tear gas and flash grenades — in order to stage a photo op at a noble church, we can be forgiven for believing that the president is more interested in power than principle,” he said.

The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee also condemned Trump’s use of the Bible which he held up with one hand in front of the historic building.

“If he opened it, he could have learned something: that we are all called to love one another as we love ourselves. It’s really hard work, but it’s the work of America. Donald Trump isn’t interested in doing that work.”

Meanwhile, the president continues to explore ways to crack down on protesters. Mayor Bowser’s chief of staff John Falcicchio confirmed that federal officials had asked about their ability to take command of Washington’s police department. Falcicchio reportedly rejected the idea and threatened to take legal action if needed.

The president is also considering invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807, a little-known law that was most recently used in 1992 to quell riots sparked by the beating of Rodney King at the hands of police in Los Angeles. It would allow Trump to order active-duty troops to be involved in law enforcement.

However, state governors or legislatures have to request the deployment of troops before the president is allowed to do so. The rule can only be pushed aside when a state is in violation of civil rights. President Eisenhower used that exception to federalize the Arkansas National Guard and deploy the 101st Airborne Division in Little Rock in 1957.

It is unclear if the current administration’s lawyers will attempt to make a legal argument that would allow the president to send troops in to states that have not given their approval.

A citywide curfew in Washington will be in effect once again on Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Wednesday.