Law enforcement officials dismantled a peace vigil that had stood in front of the White House for over four decades on March 5, 2023. This action followed instructions given by former President Donald Trump just two days earlier. The vigil, established in 1981 by William Thomas, aimed to promote nuclear disarmament and advocate for global peace. It is recognized as the longest continuous anti-war protest in the United States.
For many years, volunteers maintained the vigil in Lafayette Square, directly in front of the White House gates. They worked tirelessly to protect it from removal despite various challenges. The recent dismantling was prompted by an inquiry from Brian Glenn, a correspondent for the conservative network Real America’s Voice. During an interview, Glenn noted the vigil’s transformation over the years, suggesting it had become anti-Trump. Trump, unaware of the vigil’s history, ordered the immediate removal of the tent.
On the morning of March 5, officers arrived at approximately 06:30 to enforce the order. Will Roosien, a 24-year-old volunteer, recounted that he was given just thirty minutes to vacate the area. He refused to comply and was subsequently detained while law enforcement dismantled the tent. Roosien expressed his dismay, stating, “This is a disgrace, and you should all feel ashamed.” He emphasized the significance of the vigil, which had operated continuously for 44 years in support of human rights and peace.
The longest-serving steward of the vigil, Philipos Melaku-Bello, aged 63, spoke to the Washington Post about the volunteers’ efforts to partially rebuild the vigil following its dismantling. Melaku-Bello indicated that he anticipates a legal battle over the future of the site. He highlighted the distinction between a vigil and an encampment, asserting, “As you can see, I don’t have a bed. I have signs, and it is covered by the [constitutional] right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression.”
This action to dismantle the vigil coincides with the broader policing policies of the Trump administration in Washington D.C.. Earlier in March, Trump had issued an executive order aimed at the “beautification” of the capital, directing federal officials to remove encampments.
The inquiry from Glenn followed a letter written by Republican Congressman Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey. Van Drew criticized the vigil’s presence in a letter to the Department of the Interior, which oversees national parks. He argued that the Constitution does not guarantee the right to occupy public land indefinitely, suggesting that the vigil poses safety hazards and detracts from the appearance of the park.
The dismantling of the vigil raises questions not only about the future of this long-standing protest but also about the administration’s approach to public demonstrations. The actions taken reflect a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue surrounding free speech and public expression in the United States.