In a move that has silenced one of Washington DC's most enduring symbols of dissent, US authorities have dismantled the anti-nuclear peace vigil that stood opposite the White House for over four decades.
The vigil, recognised as the longest-running protest in US history, was established in 1981 by activist Concepcion Picciotto. For 42 years, it served as a constant, silent rebuke to presidential power and a plea for nuclear disarmament, maintained by a rotating group of dedicated pacifists.
US Park Police confirmed the removal of the temporary structures, tarps, and signs that constituted the protest camp on Lafayette Square. While officials cited the need to maintain "health and safety" standards and preserve the park's condition, the action has sparked criticism from free speech advocates.
The vigil became a Washington institution, a fixed point for tourists and a backdrop for presidential motorcades. Its presence was so permanent that it was officially recognised with a designated protest zone.
The removal marks the end of a remarkable chapter in American protest history. The site, once a hive of activist activity, now stands clear, its absence speaking volumes about the changing landscape of public demonstration in the nation's capital.
