President Donald Trump warned that any attempt by protesters to establish an “autonomous zone” in Washington D.C. “will be met with serious force.”
His comments came in a Tuesday tweet. He wrote: “There will never be an 'Autonomous Zone' in Washington, D.C., as long as I’m your President. If they try they will be met with serious force!”
The president’s remarks came as civil unrest unfolded nearby the White House on Monday night. Protesters attempted to organize a “Black House Autonomous Zone” in Lafayette Square, across the street from the White House.
Protesters called the area they attempted to seal off “BHAZ” as they linked arms around a statue of former President Andrew Jackson, but police moved in during a "chaotic" scene, Fox News reported.
Tweets also showed video of “BHAZ” being spray painted on the St. John’s Church near the White House.
The Hill reported “BHAZ” appeared to be taking after the “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone" in Seattle that was set up earlier this month during protests against police brutality.