Washington (CNN) A confrontation between protesters and police in the park across the street from the White House on Monday evening led the US Secret Service to take the unusual step of ordering members of the White House press corps to immediately leave the grounds.
The square has been the site of largely peaceful protests that have been ongoing following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers.
The Washington Post reported that US Park Police clashed with the protesters and used pepper spray as part of their attempts to push them back.
She did not provide additional details about the police response, and CNN has reached out to the Metropolitan Police Department.
Protesters also spray-painted "BHAZ" on the pillars of St. John's Episcopal Church, which sits across the street from Lafayette Square.
Several journalists, including two CNN employees, were told they had to leave the White House grounds immediately via the south side of the complex, which is not the normal entrance/exit for the press.
Typically in security situations at the White House, the press corps is locked down inside the complex. »
