Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

alp227

(31,962 posts)
Sun Jul 5, 2020, 01:34 PM Jul 2020

Twice on July Fourth, police declare riot in downtown Portland

Source: The Oregonian

For the second time in less than 24 hours, Portland Police declared a downtown demonstration a riot during Fourth of July protests. At least a dozen were arrested, and police used tear gas to drive the crowd away.

Mayor Ted Wheeler expressed concerns about Portland being “on edge,” heading into Fourth of July weekend. A riot was declared around 4 a.m. Saturday in downtown Portland after overnight demonstrations, but events through the day remained generally peaceful until late Saturday, when police again declared a riot.

Saturday marked the 38th consecutive day of protests in Portland since the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man who pleaded for air while a white officer knelt on his neck. Since then, thousands of people in Portland and across the state have met en masse to decry police violence and broader racism.

[...]

At 10:35 p.m., a police announced orders for protesters to stop directing fireworks at the Justice Center. A short time later, police appeared to set off devices that deployed smoke. Around 11 p.m., police again warned protesters not “to engage with the federal courthouse” and warned them they would be subject to arrest and use of force if they continued.

Read more: https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2020/07/black-lives-matter-protests-taking-place-in-portland-salem-on-the-fourth-of-july.html

5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Twice on July Fourth, police declare riot in downtown Portland (Original Post) alp227 Jul 2020 OP
The Portland police are allies with the Proud Boys and instigate much of the violence Fiendish Thingy Jul 2020 #1
Really? Thunderbeast Jul 2020 #2
There's video online of police warning Proud boys before tear gas released and crowds cleared Fiendish Thingy Jul 2020 #3
Fiendish, there are probably 'Proud Boys' in uniform OxQQme Jul 2020 #4
The Proud Boys "headquarters" is just across the river from Portland in Vancouver, WA Fiendish Thingy Jul 2020 #5

Fiendish Thingy

(15,369 posts)
1. The Portland police are allies with the Proud Boys and instigate much of the violence
Sun Jul 5, 2020, 01:43 PM
Jul 2020

Including beating reporters from local press.

Thunderbeast

(3,383 posts)
2. Really?
Sun Jul 5, 2020, 02:29 PM
Jul 2020

Come on!

The narrative about being Proud Boy allies is a huge overstatement. Portland police have, in the past, had communications with right wing fringe groups in an effort to help prevent violence. These contacts had the goal of clearly communicating intent...and consequences in order to establish boundaries for their behavior. I would rather have them talk than meet in the streets with no understanding of motives. The First Ammendment protects vile and unpopular speech too.

It seems that anybody with a cell phone camera and an Instagram account is now claiming press privileges.

I do not defend many of the actions of our police department. There have been atrocities that must come to account. I have also had experience within my own family where restraint and compassion ruled in a situation that could have ended horribly.

I have marched with the peaceful BLM protests. I am convinced that a small group of bad actors is using George Floyd's murder as an excuse destroy public property. Their frustration with our oppressive economic unfairness is likely at the core of their anger. We can no longer, however, let these "bad actors" destroy the city than we can allow bad cops to terrorize our citizens.

Fiendish Thingy

(15,369 posts)
3. There's video online of police warning Proud boys before tear gas released and crowds cleared
Sun Jul 5, 2020, 03:20 PM
Jul 2020

There’s an independent, credentialed journalist named Cory Elia who has documented the police abuse on himself and others.

My son lives in Portland and has witnessed first hand the police brutalizing peaceful protestors.

OxQQme

(2,550 posts)
4. Fiendish, there are probably 'Proud Boys' in uniform
Sun Jul 5, 2020, 03:29 PM
Jul 2020

in every PD in this country.

You might have started your statement with, "A few Portland Police may be allies..."

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Twice on July Fourth, pol...