President Trump walked to St. John’s Episcopal Church following his address to the nation, which was delivered in front of a massive crowd of protesters.
St. John’s Episcopal Church was one of several churches and historical monuments damaged by rioters on Sunday night. Just before his speech, a large crowd of protesters was cleared by authorities using non-lethal weapons. Law enforcement forced everyone out of the area near the White House to allow the president a path to walk to the church.
When he arrived, Trump held up a Bible and said, “We have a great country.” He was joined by members of his cabinet, including Attorney General William Barr.
A curfew was issued for Washington, D.C., on Sunday at 7 p.m. EST. Trump made his voyage to the church moments after the curfew went into place. St. John’s is located a block away from the White House and has been visited by every president since James Madison.
The previous night protesters built a bonfire in front of the church. Other protesters also built a fire in the basement, where the church’s nursery is located. The sanctuary of the church was unharmed, according to church leaders. Protesters also vandalized the exterior of the church.
Earlier that day, St. John’s had expressed solidarity with the protesters, praising them for their “peaceful, meaningful action to ensure the life of George Floyd and countless others are not lost in vain.”
