A senior National Guard officer says the U.S. Park Police began the violent clearing of protesters from Lafayette Square last month without apparent provocation or adequate warning.
Army National Guard commander Adam DeMarco's account challenges key aspects of the Trump administration’s explanation for the clearing of the protest just before President Donald Trump walked through the area for a photo opportunity.
DeMarco’s statement was in prepared testimony ahead of a hearing Tuesday by the House Natural Resources Committee.
The administration says attacks by protesters warranted the use of force. DeMarco says it appeared that the protest was peaceful.
