Protests for July 7

Summary

Two overlapping events took place at the Portland Justice Center last night: a sit-in at the Federal Courthouse organized by a new group called Portland Protest Bureau, and a candlelight vigil for Summer Taylor organized by a youth-led direct action group. At about 11:50 PM, federal police burst through the park where the vigil was taking place, using flashbang grenades that were reported to be much louder than those used on previous nights. Around 1 AM, a smaller group of protesters who remained at the JC confronted Portland Police during a shift change. Another confrontation occurred around 2:30 AM.

Scheduled Events

Night of Rage for Summer Taylor, 10pm

Timeline

Starting off at the Justice Center tonight with speeches and food:

https://twitter.com/nogumbofornazis/status/1280719399586983936?s=20

The sit-in seems to be organized by a different group than the “Night of Rage for Summer Taylor” that is now organizing to march:

https://twitter.com/nogumbofornazis/status/1280753068540260352

Federal law enforcement rushed out of the Federal Building after the sit-in organizers were reportedly confronted for collaborating with them, breaking up the vigil with flashbangs:

Protesters regroup at the Justice Center after a check-in on the candles placed for the vigil:

These grenades are serious weapons:

https://twitter.com/tuckwoodstock/status/1280915864594743296

Media

Present

Articles

The Oregonian

City details Portland protest violence, damage, cost of repairs in response to motion to restrict tear gas, crowd control weapons

Demonstrators gather to remember Portlander killed at Seattle protest, support Black Lives Matter

Village Portland

The rise and fall of Portland’s “Elk”: 1900 – 2020

Police

Agencies present

  • Federal protective service
  • Feds in brown/camo (USM? CBP?)
  • PPB

Munitions used

  • Low roll distraction device x 2
  • Pepper balls/impact munitions

Number of arrests

None reported as of noon 7/8

Charges

Protests for July 6

Summary

The demonstration downtown in front of the Justice Center and federal courthouse remained largely uneventful throughout the night. Protesters had snacks from the snack van, ate barbecue, and individuals on bullhorns made speeches. There was no documented law enforcement presence until around 1:30 AM. At this time only one journalist from the night was still there, and has video of law enforcement in the U.S. Marshals’ camouflage uniform giving verbal commands to protesters to back off federal property, including the sidewalk around the courthouse.

Scheduled Events

Vanessa Guillen and BIPOC United Rally – 6 PM

Timeline

Early in the night, a Homeland Security car was spotted near the federal courthouse downtown.

Most protesters remained around the Salmon and 3rd street area, which was also where the snack van and barbecue station were.

Around 11:40 PM, protestors moved towards the Justice Center.

The night had been quiet until around 1:30 AM, when federal agents emerged and began moving protestors away from the federal courthouse.

Media

Present

Articles

KGW

After a weekend of riots, Portland police union leader asks local, state officials to condemn violence and ‘defend Portland’

OPB

Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Deployed To Portland Protests

Portland Mercury

Portland Police Union President Calls on Officials to “Defend Portland”

Police

Agencies Present

  • Department of Homeland Security – Federal Protective Service
  • U.S. Marshals

Munitions Used

None

Number of Arrests

None confirmed as of 3pm 7/7

Charges