DOJ Settles Case over Lafayette Square Protests

APR 14 2022·Updated JAN 23 2023

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Image credit: AFP/Getty Images [via Axios]

The Facts

The US Justice Dept. announced on Wed. that they have reached a settlement with protestors who sued the government after they were forcefully removed from Lafayette Sq. in Jun. 2020.
wsj
The settlement agreement includes an overhaul of police practices in Washington to ensure that officers only employ force as a last resort.
nytimes
On Jun. 1, 2020, police used tear gas and batons to clear BLM protestors peacefully occupying Lafayette Sq. near the White House before Trump walked through the park to the St. John's Episcopal Church, in a high-profile moment amidst simmering civil tensions.
Axios
The resolution concludes portions of lawsuits brought on behalf of BLM DC, as well as 13 individual protestors.
Axios

Sources Split

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The Spin

Left narrative

Authorities' response to the protest was an aggressive assault on fundamental American freedoms and constitutional rights. This settlement marks a significant step by the Biden administration in protecting the civil liberties of those who protest peacefully.

Newsweek

Right narrative

This settlement amounts to little. It doesn't make any admission of liability, nor does it admit to any accusations made by the plaintiffs involved. These policy changes are purely motivated by the Biden administration's desire to conclude ongoing lawsuits.