Protesters brutally dispersed ahead of Trump’s photo opportunity with a Bible

US president Donald Trump has visited the 200-year-old church near the White House that was set on fire as demonstrators clashed with police over the weekend. Beginning with James Madison, every person who has held the office of president has attended a service at St John’s Church. Law enforcement cleared protesters out of the area with tear gas before Trump’s visit. Tear gas canisters could be heard exploding as Trump spoke in the Rose Garden. He then walked over to the church. The protesters appeared to be acting peacefully before they were dispersed by force Subscribe to Guardian News on YouTube ► ’Outrageous’: bishop of Washington DC rejects Trump use of church as prop during George Floyd protests ► Trump threatens to deploy military as teargas fired on nearby protesters ► George Floyd killing: police forcefully crack down on protesters as curfews hit – live ► Support the Guardian ► Today in Focus podcast ► The Guardian YouTube network: The Guardian ► Owen Jones talks ► Guardian Football ► Guardian Sport ► Guardian Culture ►