White House justifies clearing out DC protesters

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany is defending the removal of protesters from near the White House grounds earlier this week, insisting "when an officer is at risk they have the right to defend themselves."

"They found caches of glass bottles, baseball bats and metal poles hidden along the streets," she said.

On Monday, law enforcement officers on foot and horseback aggressively drove protesters away from Lafayette Park, clearing the way for President Donald Trump to do a photo op at nearby St. John's Church. On Tuesday, pastors at the church prayed with demonstrators and handed out water bottles. Demonstrations were continuing Wednesday. Trump had argued that the massive show of force was responsible for protests in Washington and other cities turning more calm in recent days and has repeated his criticism of governors who have not deployed their National Guard to the fullest. Trump told Fox New Radio on Wednesday that a dominent force was necessary. McEnany said the president has looked at tools to ensure that "law enforcement uses the appropriate level of force," but did not offer further details.

"The president recognizes that our police officers are valiant heroes and the vast majority, are good, hardworking people who love this country and who love the American citizenry, that they protect," she told reporters Wednesday.