Ian Brickey (202) 675-6270 or ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On June 22, the U.S. Department of the Interior Office of the Inspector General confirmed they were investigating the forceful dispersal of a peaceful protest affirming Black lives matter from Lafayette Square using tear gas and riot tactics to make way for a photo-op for President Donald Trump at historic St. John’s Episcopal church. Then, later in the day, U.S. Park Police again deployed tear gas and physical force against demonstrators protesting in the park.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:
"Our public parks are meant to provide everyone a safe space to heal, to restore and to peacefully gather. Yet, once again, the Trump Administration has despicably employed violent tactics on peaceful demonstrators protesting white supremacy and police brutality. We support the Inspector General’s investigation into the excessive, brutal, and militarized policing tactics employed by USPP officers — not to mention Secretary Bernhardt’s attempt to tell us not to believe our own eyes. It is clear that an official, non-partisan investigation into both incidents is the only way to get answers, and to get justice for the protesters, and we welcome the House Natural Resources Committee’s decision to hold a hearing on this incident on June 29.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.