Overview

• U.S. Park Police dismantled the vigil’s structure on Sunday following Trump’s Sept. 5 directive issued after an Oval Office exchange.
• The White House labeled the setup a hazard and linked the action to a broader campaign to clear encampments and “beautify” Washington during a federal policing takeover.
• Volunteers dispute the encampment classification, report no weapons or rats were found, and assert First Amendment protections while consulting attorneys.
• Reports differ on the site’s status, with some volunteers saying parts were rebuilt or remained in place after the initial takedown.
• Trump said the site “came down very quickly,” and coverage noted the order followed a prompt from Real America’s Voice reporter Brian Glenn, as well as prior pressure from Rep. Jeff Van Drew.