The Continuing ‘Tear Gas’ Debate

The national semantics exercise over “pepper balls” and “tear gas” has continued.

On CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Attorney General William Barr was asked if it was appropriate for the U.S. Park Police “to use smoke bombs, tear gas, pepper balls, projectiles at what appeared to be peaceful protesters” outside the White House on June 1. Barr objected to the description of “pepper spray” as a “chemical irritant,” saying, “It’s not chemical.”

But Barr is contradicted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the Department of Justice,...