Outcry at America’s ‘secret riot police’

AMERICA’S deployment of unidentified officers in riot gear to Black Lives Matter protests has prompted accusations it is running a secret police force.

On President Donald Trump’s orders, 4,500 national guard troops were flown to Washington DC with special units from the Bureau of Prisons, Drug Enforcement Agency and FBI after demonstrations in the capital dramatically increased.

Several of those units — including military police,

US park police and secret service — were involved in violent scenes when officers fired tear gas and rubber bullets at peaceful protesters in Lafayette Square near the White House.

Others without insignia, in face shields and protective gear, have appeared on DC’s streets, refusing to identify themselves to journalists.

Police departments historically have required officers to carry identification on their uniforms but state and federal laws do little to require enforcement agencies to identify themselves to the public. A Justice Department official denied officers had been directed to conceal their agency.

Prominent Democrats have demanded transparency from attorney general William Barr, who they say was responsible for sending in the unidentifiable officers.

In a letter to Mr Trump, Nancy Pelosi, the US

House speaker, asked for details identifying the law enforcement and military agencies that had been deployed. She said: “The practice of officers operating with full anonymity undermines accountability, ignites distrust and suspicion and is counter to the principle of procedural justice and legitimacy during this precarious moment in our nation’s history.”

Connecticut senator Christopher Murphy added: “The US would condemn this tactic if used by dictators of other countries and its use here directly threatens our democracy.”