Live updates: Barr personally asked to push back protesters outside White House

[brooklynite]

Source: Washington Post

Attorney General William P. Barr personally ordered law enforcement officials on the ground to extend the perimeter around Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C. to push back protesters just before President Trump spoke Monday, a Justice Department official said.

That order came as clashes between police and the public continued to intensify, with largely peaceful daytime protests over George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis police custody descending into violence and chaos after dark, amid widespread curfews and National Guard deployments.

As the mayhem spread and police escalated their use of force⁠ — firing gas and rubber bullets at peaceful protesters in cities from Washington, D.C., to Walnut Creek, Calif. — authorities across the United States also said they were under assault, with officers shot in St. Louis and Las Vegas and others struck and injured by cars in New York as authorities looked to contain unrest.

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/06/02/george-floyd-protests-live-updates/

[guillaumeb]

1. Can Trump hear the protesters?

Perhaps he had to increase the volume so he could watch Fox today.

[Iliyah]

2. eff treason barr . .

Now, ya got, Hicks, now jerkoff, who else will come into the fray . .

[Submariner]

3. Probably saw some world class Spitters distance practicing along Trump's proposed route

and had to get Donny out of spitting range.

Let the Gooie Looies fly...

[whistler162]

4. Given his size that makes sense!

[IllinoisBirdWatcher]

5. An illegal ordr from a waterboy. n/t

[BComplex]

6. Barr has turned into a true dictator. His wet dream from childhood.

What an evil piece of shit.

[LudwigPastorius]

7. Oink!

[maxsolomon]

8. who sent the helicopters?

the DOJ commands the DOD?

[dhill926]

12. yeah...I'm not understanding this...

since when does an AG have this power...

[riversedge]

16. I think Barr just takes the power--who is stop him? Repugs are silent

[maxsolomon]

18. Esper had to make that call.

Sec Def.

The AG doesn't get to deploy military aircraft.

[DENVERPOPS]

9. Why is anyone surprised or shocked any more by anything

the RepubliCONs do.

Welcome to the newly installed Corporate Fascist Tyranny...............

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

This is BY FAR the most thoroughly corrupt political party in the history of our nation.................

[marble falls]

10. So he thinks he's a real General. Please someone tear gas him!

[alp227]

11. Here's a longer story from the Post

Barr personally ordered removal of protesters near White House, leading to use of force against largely peaceful crowd

Attorney General William P. Barr personally ordered law enforcement officials on the ground to clear the streets around Lafayette Square just before President Trump spoke Monday, a Justice Department official said, a directive that prompted a show of aggression against a crowd of largely peaceful protesters, drawing widespread condemnation.

Officers from the U.S. Park Police and other agencies used smoke canisters, riot shields, batons and officers on horseback to shove and chase people gathered to protest the death of George Floyd. At one point, a line of police rushed a group of protesters standing on H Street NW, many of whom were standing still with their hands up, forcing them to race away, coughing from smoke. Some were struck by rubber bullets.

Secret Service officers then surrounded the area and created a protective zone for President Trump, who moments later crossed the street and made an appearance outside St. John’s Church.

On Tuesday, however, federal officials offered conflicting reasons for the forcible removal of the protesters, seeking to separate the move from Trump’s visit to the church.

[budkin]

13. Obviously

Impeach the toad.

[bluestarone]

14. WE know how RUMP works!

He must have given BARR, a CODE word to move against the protesters! (He wouldn't order it himself)

[riversedge]

15. I read yesterday that Barr went out to speak to the military police. Know I know what he said......

[obamanut2012]

17. Ummm... the AG does not have this power at all

They are in no way law enforcement or military.