White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany, who compared Mr Trump's walk to the church to British Prime Minister Winston Churchill examining bomb damaged London in World War II, defended the actions of the police.
"As is consistent with our established practices and procedures, two US Park Police officers have been assigned to administrative duties, while an investigation takes place regarding the incident with the Australian Press," Park Police acting Chief Gregory Monahan said on Wednesday.
A rally was held in the park demanding justice for George Floyd, the Minneapolis man who died during a police arrest last week.
Ms McEnany rejected that and said the police had "a right to defend themselves".
"No tear gas was used and no rubber bullets were used," Ms McEnany said.
Appearing on Channel Nine's Today show on Thursday with camera operator Jason Conduit, Walsh said she was "pretty rattled still".
Police officers found the man had a screwdriver and charged him with threats to kill and possessing an offensive weapon. »
