ACLU Demands Barr Appoint a Special Counsel to Look Into the Removal of Protesters From Lafayette Square

Attorney General William Barr is facing calls for an independent investigation into the decision to clear protesters who had gathered outside the White House in early June.

On Tuesday, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sent a letter to Barr to demand that he appoint a special counsel to look into the decision to disperse the protesters.

“The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) strongly urges the appointment of a special counsel to investigate, and if warranted, prosecute any federal criminal violations of protesters’ constitutional rights in Lafayette Square Park,” the letter read.

It continued, “On that day, at approximately 6:25 pm, federal and other government forces attacked peaceful protesters and journalists covering the event without warning and unprovoked, used tear gas, flash bang grenades, and rubber bullets to drive the crowd out of the public park they lawfully occupied.”

Additionally, the ACLU argued the decision to disperse the protesters was a violation of their First and Fourth Amendment rights.

“Given the seriousness of these events, a special counsel is necessary to meet the need for the American people to trust that their civil liberties will continue to be protected by the rule of law, through a full, complete, and impartial investigation of these events and, if warranted, prosecution of any criminal acts committed by Executive Branch officials,” the letter added.

Additionally, the ACLU argued that since Barr ordered the protesters’ dispersal, he must recuse himself from the selection process of a special counsel.

Finally, the letter read:

“The faith of the people in their government and their trust in the protections afforded to them by law and by the Constitution are in peril. A full investigation by an independent special counsel is necessary to restore confidence in federal