AG Barr orders Lafayette Square cleared by force so Trump can stage Bible photo op at St. John's Church

At 6:30 PM ET, AG William Barr and officials ordered law enforcement to use chemical irritants, batons, and mounted police to forcibly clear peaceful protesters from Lafayette Square — 30 minutes before DC Mayor Bowser's curfew. Trump then walked to St. John's Church and held up a Bible for cameras. Gen. Mark Milley, in combat fatigues, accompanied Trump and later publicly apologized, calling his presence "a mistake." DOD IG and GAO investigations contradicted the Park Police claim that no tear gas was used.