William Barr Seeks Qualified Immunity From Lafayette Square Suit

Attorney General William Barr told a federal court Wednesday that the doctrine of qualified immunity should protect him from any liability related to the June 1 clearing of Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C.

Black Lives Matter D.C. allege that Barr ordered federal and state law enforcement officers to disperse protesters at Lafayette Square so that President Donald Trump could pose for photographs at St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Government officials may invoke qualified immunity against claims that they violated an individual’s constitutional rights while acting under the color of law. The doctrine has received increased attention since George Floyd’s death, as ...