Senator John Barrasso, the top Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has raised concerns over the Department of the Interior's handling of violent protests that occurred on National Park Service property outside the White House last week. Barrasso, who oversees the Interior Department through his committee, sent a letter to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland questioning the lack of arrests and potential political influence in the aftermath of the chaotic events.
The protests, which involved thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators, led to assaults on U.S. Park Police and a National Park Service ranger at Lafayette Park, just north of the White House. Vandalism, including slogans supporting Hamas, was reported on federal property during the demonstrations.
Barrasso demanded accountability from Haaland regarding the absence of arrests and urged the department to enhance measures to protect federal park rangers on duty. He emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order in federal land security and expressed concerns about potential political sympathies affecting the response to the violence and vandalism.
While no arrests were made following the protests, reports indicated that one individual managed to evade law enforcement after climbing a statue. Statues honoring French figures from the American Revolution were vandalized during the demonstrations, coinciding with President Biden's visit to France.
Other Republicans, including Senator Tom Cotton, have criticized the Biden administration for its perceived stance on Israel, while some protesters expressed dissatisfaction with the administration's support for the Palestinian faction. The chaotic events in Lafayette Park highlighted the risks faced by park rangers and law enforcement officers on a daily basis.
In response to the protests, an NPS spokesperson emphasized the priority of safety for employees and visitors, confirming injuries to a ranger and two USPP officers. Barrasso called for improved security measures at NPS properties like Lafayette Park and revisions to protocols for managing violent demonstrations.
Senator Cotton introduced the Saving Treasured Artifacts Through Uniform Enforcement (STATUE) Act, proposing mandatory minimum sentences for vandalism of historical monuments. The Interior Department did not provide comments on the matter despite multiple attempts to seek clarification.
