The Secret Service said in a statement Saturday that one of their agents did use pepper spray to clear protestors despite reports that denied their actions.
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The official statement was announced on the agencies Twitter page and said: “On June 5, the U.S. Secret Service released information that the agency had concluded that no agency personnel used tear gas or capsicum spray during efforts to secure the area near Lafayette Park on Monday, June 1, based on the record and information available at that time.” These claims were originally denied when Attorney General Williams Barr told local media that he ordered agents to use pepper spray on protestors but later backtracked his statement.
Secret Service Statement: pic.twitter.com/hsocyFntAl
— U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) June 13, 2020
Protestors and media outlets who were on the scene said Secret Service agents used pepper spray, tear gas and flash-bang grenades to force them out of Lafayette Square so President Trump could get a photo-op in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church.
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An apology was issued by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley for supporting President Trump’s photo op. Currently, it is unclear who initially gave the order but the president has been facing backlash for threatening to use military force on peaceful protestors on June 1.
SOURCE: NBC News