Secret Service walks back statement that no chemical agents were used on protesters at Lafayette Square
By J. Edward Moreno - 06/13/20 03:59 PM EDT
The Secret Service is walking back a statement it made last week claiming its agents did not use tear gas or pepper spray on protesters to “secure the area†near Lafayette Square last Monday.
That day, tear gas and rubber bullets were used to disperse peaceful protesters about 30 minutes before a curfew was set to take effect in Washington, D.C. Minutes later, President Trump walked over to St. John's Episcopal Church and posed for photos with a Bible.
Both the Secret Service and U.S. Park Police (USPP) initially denied claims of using force on protesters, despite several in-person accounts and footage.
In an amended statement released Saturday afternoon, the Secret Service said after further review, it determined that “an agency employee used pepper spray on June 1st during efforts to secure the area near Lafayette Park.â€
more
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/502611-secret-service-walks-back-statement-that-no-chemical-agents-were-used