An Inspector General report revealed that police were already in the process of clearing protesters from Lafayette Park prior to former President Donald Trump's "photo op" at St. John's Church, contradicting a widespread media narrative that protesters were suddenly pushed out to clear the way for Trump's walk.

"On the morning of June 1, the Secret Service procured antiscale fencing to establish a more secure perimeter around Lafayette Park that was to be delivered and installed that same day. The U.S. Park Police (USPP), in coordination with the Secret Service, determined that it was necessary to clear protesters from the area in and around the park to enable the contractor's employees to safely install the fence."

"The USPP planned to implement the operation as soon as the fencing materials and sufficient law enforcement officers arrived at the park. Six other law enforcement agencies assisted the USPP and the Secret Service in the operation to clear and secure areas near the park," the report continues.