Perry Falsely Stated That No Tear Gas Was Used on Peaceful Protesters
During a tele-town hall last Thursday, Congressman Scott Perry refused to condemn the Trump administration’s decision to use tear gas to clear out peaceful protesters at the White House so that the president could stage a photo op at St. John’s Church. Perry went so far as to claim that there was no tear gas used in clearing the protesters, despite many Americans watching the event unfold on live TV and the U.S. Park Police admitting Friday that tear gas was used.
From the Carlisle Sentinel:
“[…S]ome callers also pressed Perry on whether he agreed with the response of some of those in his party, including Trump.
One caller stated flatly that Trump ‘did not have the Constitutional right’ to forcibly clear protesters from Lafayette Square on Monday so that he could be photographed walking to the nearby St. John’s Episcopal Church, a Washington, D.C. landmark.
Perry did not address the use of force issue broadly, but took issue with technical inaccuracies in the caller’s premise.
‘There was no tear gas used, there was no rubber bullets used, and the military was not used,’ Perry said.
…
‘When I think the president is wrong I’m happy to say that,’ Perry said. ‘But in this case, unfortunately, I think the information that’s being purveyed is not accurate.’”
The administration’s decision caused outrage among clergy, who denounced his tear gassing of peaceful protesters advocating for an end to police violence against Black people in pursuit of a photo op.
“Pennsylvanians deserve a representative who will stand up for individuals peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights, not a spineless congressman like Scott Perry who recklessly toes the Washington party line, regardless of what’s at stake,” said DCCC Spokesperson Courtney Rice.
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