The Open LedgerA citizen’s reference · checked October 15, 2026

C-06C Official findingCritics’ errors

Lafayette Square “photo op”

Evidence grade C: A special counsel, Congress, an inspector general or a high court found it; never tried to a verdict on him.

What happened

On June 1, 2020, police cleared protesters from Lafayette Park shortly before he walked to St. John’s Church for a photograph. Many news reports and officials said the park was cleared so he could do so.

Where it stands

The Interior Department inspector general found in June 2021 that the evidence did not support a finding that Park Police cleared the park for his visit. Park Police had planned the operation hours earlier so a contractor could install fencing.

Harm

Institutional. A widely repeated account of motive was not supported by the official review.

Response from the other side

Critics note the report covered only Park Police, did not interview Attorney General Barr, faulted inaudible warnings and the Secret Service’s early advance, and did not clear officers on use of force.

Sources

  1. NPR via KPBS, June 9, 2021kpbs.orghttps://www.kpbs.org/news/2021/06/09/watchdog-report-says-police-did-not-clear #251

Status checked October 15, 2026. Court cases move; before relying on a pending matter, open the source for later developments.