Quarantine Diary 20 | Black Lives Matter Protests, Washington DC

I again photographed at the mass demonstrations in Washington DC near the White House. DC's Mayor Muriel Bowser has named the section of 16th Street NW that intersects the park "Black Lives Matter Plaza," had signage installed, and directed that a huge street mural reading "Black Lives Matter" be painted.

There were many thousands of people peacefully  but vigorously protesting police brutality against black citizens and the oppressive policies of the Trump administration.

St. John's Church, which is on the plaza, had been used for a controversial photo-op by the president a few days prior, after demonstrators were forcible forced from the area by police wielding flash grenades, firing rubber bullets, and subjecting them to gaseous chemical agents.

Members of the Episcopal Church's clergy were present at the demonstration, protesting the use of the church for this purpose. Several of them were at the church, praying and witnessing during the protest.

There was a conspicuous military presence in the streets surrounding the White House.

Thanks to my friend and colleague Ed Rehfeld, for his help.