Schumer Says Images of Soldiers in Front of the Lincoln Memorial Remind Him of Tiananmen Square
National Guard troops have been positioned on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., after several memorials were vandalized during demonstrations over the weekend. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer…
National Guard troops have been positioned on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., after several memorials were vandalized during demonstrations over the weekend.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) blasted the decision to disperse protesters in front of the White House on Monday. But he said it was a “more haunting image” to see the soldiers at the Lincoln Memorial.
“Last night, Americans saw an even more haunting image on the internet and their televisions: Rows of camouflaged troops, standing at attention on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial like an occupying force defending a critical position,” Schumer said during a speech on the Senate floor on Wednesday.
He continued:
“When you see the image of troops dressed for combat flanking the Lincoln Memorial — an altar to freedom — you cannot help but think of Tiananmen Square. This administration ordered federal officers to gas peaceful protesters and charge on horseback and defend our monuments like battlefield positions. What is President Trump doing to this grand democracy?”
Schumer’s comments referred to the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre when Chinese soldiers opened fire on pro-democracy protesters.
After almost a month of protest, the Chinese government deployed soldiers to try to shut down the demonstration. Early on the morning of June 4, Chinese soldiers used live rounds on the protesters.