President Donald Trump walks from the White House to St. John's Episcopal Church a block away in Washington, D.C., on June 1. Federal forces used multiple tactics to disperse crowds in Lafayette Park to clear a path for Trump. File Photo by Shawn Thew/UPI |
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DeMarco's remarks were follow-up statements that came after his appearance before the House committee in late July.
DeMarco, who has sought whistle-blower protection, testified that authorities' request for the "heat ray" came as federal officers prepared to forcibly clear the crowd.
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Adam D. DeMarco, a major in the District of Columbia National Guard, testifies on July 28 before a House committee about the June 1 confrontation between federal police and protesters at Lafayette Square near the White House. File Photo by
Bill Clark/UPI/Pool
After officers used multiple measures, including tear gas, to push back the crowd, Trump walked through the area on his way to visit the historic St. John's Episcopal Church nearby. At the church, Trump posed for photos holding a Bible.
The tactics used by federal forces drew condemnation from many lawmakers and politicians, including Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley.
In his statements, DeMarco testified that he responded to the request for a "heat ray" by saying the D.C. National Guard did not have one.
He also said the Guard didn't have another piece of equipment authorities had asked about -- a Long Range Acoustic Device, also known as a sound cannon, which sends out loud messages to disperse crowds.