A recent Justice Department review has cast a critical eye on former U.S. Attorney General William Barr’s handling of the George Floyd protests near the White House in 2020. The report highlights the deployment of ill-prepared federal law enforcement officers, which created significant security risks for both the agents and the public. The Inspector General, Michael Horowitz, expressed concern over the chaotic and disorganized response, pointing out that Barr’s decision-making left officers without the necessary equipment and training.
The controversy stemmed from the use of tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse peaceful demonstrators, paving the way for then-President Donald Trump’s photo op at a nearby church. This heavy-handed approach led to a series of lawsuits by Black Lives Matter protesters, resulting in the Justice Department agreeing to revise its policies on handling demonstrations.
Barr’s personal orders to deploy Bureau of Prisons tactical teams were particularly scrutinized, with the report noting that these personnel received no clear guidance on their mission or rules of engagement. While Barr maintained that the operation was “exceptionally well executed,” the Inspector General’s report disputes these claims, finding no evidence that the officials involved had a clear understanding of their objectives.
This revelation comes amidst ongoing discussions about the appropriate use of force by law enforcement during public demonstrations, adding another layer to the complex narrative of the summer of 2020 protests.
