Parts of the American capital resembled a war zone as police fired tear gas on people protesting over George Floyd’s death
After nearly four years covering the extremes of Donald Trump’s presidency, this felt like the symbolic culmination of just how unpredictable and unprecedented his tenure has been.
In the middle of a national crisis, with protesters demanding an end to racial injustice and police brutality, he finally decided to address the nation.
As he was preparing, we were outside in the middle of a peaceful demonstration, filming as people from all over the nation shouted: „I can’t breathe“ – the final words of George Floyd.
But as he prepared for the speech, out of nowhere, federal authorities lunged towards the crowd and started forcibly removing them.
One reporter was hit live on air. Flash bangs, tear gas, rubber bullets and total chaos.
We couldn’t see a pocket of provocation – but what ensued was immediate panic and fearful screams as people tried to run away.
Minutes later, President Trump claimed he was an ally of peaceful protesters but what we witnessed was the kind of muscular force he has spent days calling for.
Some speculated this was a cynical attempt to cast a portrait of a baying mob, as he spoke of the need for law and order.
