Summary
The day’s events began early on the morning of July 16th, when Portland Police raided and arrested members of Riot Ribs at Lownsdale Park downtown. The morning remained eventful, with the Justice for Patrick Kimmons march downtown which eventually led to where 5 or so pro-police protestors were demonstrating by the Justice Center. This confrontation remained verbal and never got physical. This was also when Portland Police fenced off Lownsdale and Chapman Parks, the grounds for almost all nightly demonstrations in Portland, and the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Chad Wolf, rolled into town.
In the evening, there were two main demonstrations in Portland: one at the East Multnomah County Sheriffs Office (EMCSO) and one at the Justice Center. Both demonstrations were plagued with rampant police brutality and liberal use of tear gas, pepper balls, and flash bangs. At EMCSO, protestors appeared to be facing off against sheriffs and possibly back-up from Portland Police. At the Justice Center, protestors were faced with federal forces, namely U.S. Marshals with help from other non-Portland Police uniformed officers (possibly Department of Homeland Security). There were many arrests throughout the night at both demonstrations as well as reports of harassment of both press and legal observers, including the arrest of journalist Andrew Jankowski, who has since been released from custody.
Both demonstrations eventually ended in the early morning hours of July 17th.
Scheduled Events
- Justice for Patrick Kimmons – 10 AM
- March for Black Education: Black Youth Movement – 6 PM
- SE Portland Rally Against Police Brutality – 7 PM
- Socially Distant Shield Making Movie Day – 1 PM
Timeline
At about 5 AM this morning, Portland Police stormed Lownsdale Park and gave those present, namely the folks working with Riot Ribs, 10 minutes to pack up their belongings and clear the area.
Portland Police appear to have swept & closed Chapman (across from the JC) and Lownsdale (across from the courthouse) with 10 minutes notice early this AM.
— Tuck Woodstock (@tuckwoodstock) July 16, 2020
This is where folks were sleeping in tents; where @riotribs had their restaurant; and where protesters gather every night. https://t.co/mS3rLTsEul
A dozen folks who work for Riot Ribs have been arrested and not only a as their their food and gear confiscated, but their personal accoutrements as well. PPB justifies the arrests and the theft by claiming the park that Riot Ribs was operating from is “under renovation.” https://t.co/qKsPYFaUYB
— Alpha Beta (@betacuck4lyfe) July 16, 2020
Both Lownsdale and Chapman Parks were fenced off and there is no public access.
I’m down at PPB’s park takeover and they have already threatened me with arrest. pic.twitter.com/JV8ZZnK6ZQ
— Lindsey Smith (she/her) (@LindseyPSmith7) July 16, 2020
Here’s a worker bagging up sleeping bags and blankets that people were using to sleep. pic.twitter.com/uYM4Mh8VUi
— Lindsey Smith (she/her) (@LindseyPSmith7) July 16, 2020
Protesters are already coming together with food and drinks for the small group on Salmon. pic.twitter.com/Vx7s56G8ue
— Lindsey Smith (she/her) (@LindseyPSmith7) July 16, 2020
Police are no longer threatening press with arrest. Not directly, anyway. “Up to you.” pic.twitter.com/ou7KDSVWHs
— Lindsey Smith (she/her) (@LindseyPSmith7) July 16, 2020
There’s another small group of protesters at 4th & Madison. One protester is holding up this sign for passing traffic. pic.twitter.com/AaPCQDaj20
— Lindsey Smith (she/her) (@LindseyPSmith7) July 16, 2020
A small group is marching around the park and chanting Black Lives Matter. pic.twitter.com/Cj8RaY0E20
— Lindsey Smith (she/her) (@LindseyPSmith7) July 16, 2020
Portland Police threatened this motorcyclist with a ticket for obstructing traffic. pic.twitter.com/Vf2nrW3UGX
— Lindsey Smith (she/her) (@LindseyPSmith7) July 16, 2020
The group with Patrick Kimmons’s mom appears to have arrived. pic.twitter.com/cbKOVNonIi
— Cook Cajun, Punch Nazis (@nogumbofornazis) July 16, 2020
Those that were left of Riot Ribs who were not arrested during the sweep of Lownsdale Park continued providing support to protestors and gathering supplies at their new location, the corner of 4th and Salmon.
Protesters offers pizza, and said that are organizing supplies at 4th and salmon
— 45th ןǝןןɐɹɐd ʇsıpɹnsqɐ ǝpɐbıɹq (@45thabsurdist) July 16, 2020
Protestors chant “Say his name!” “Patrick Kimmons!”
— Cook Cajun, Punch Nazis (@nogumbofornazis) July 16, 2020
Forgive the banter at the end. pic.twitter.com/cYzLM48kT6
At around noon, pro-police counter-protestors made an appearance downtown by the Justice Center.
A small collection of pro-police protesters are on the corner of 3rd and Main. pic.twitter.com/l739Xkk0BI
— Cook Cajun, Punch Nazis (@nogumbofornazis) July 16, 2020
These pro-police people showed up and there are four of them. pic.twitter.com/JVr4pXRUXu
— Lindsey Smith (she/her) (@LindseyPSmith7) July 16, 2020
There are a couple of very lonely people waving “back the blue” signs. And trying to get cars to honk. No one is honking.
— 45th ןǝןןɐɹɐd ʇsıpɹnsqɐ ǝpɐbıɹq (@45thabsurdist) July 16, 2020
Protesters march down 3rd. pic.twitter.com/bEFECl5olg
— Cook Cajun, Punch Nazis (@nogumbofornazis) July 16, 2020
Protesters are marching across the sidewalk in front of the federal courthouse, which is federal property. pic.twitter.com/aQknGjlSuf
— Lindsey Smith (she/her) (@LindseyPSmith7) July 16, 2020
Tensions are high as the Kimmons march confronts the “Back the Blue” types.
— Cook Cajun, Punch Nazis (@nogumbofornazis) July 16, 2020
“Where’s your mask? You’re breaking the law!” yelled at them. pic.twitter.com/IlJMW4qN8Q
Protesters have walked over to the counter-protesters and are chanting “Black lives matter” at the NW corner of the JC. Lots of police watching from the park. pic.twitter.com/YwJOkKjkUD
— Lindsey Smith (she/her) (@LindseyPSmith7) July 16, 2020
The current scene at 3rd and Main pic.twitter.com/eWGyk6DdES
— Cory Elia (@TheRealCoryElia) July 16, 2020
Lawyer yelling at police to learn the law pertaining to protests and protesters speaking to cop supporting counter protesters. pic.twitter.com/SZpKMVwCMY
— Cory Elia (@TheRealCoryElia) July 16, 2020
A tale of two Portlands. pic.twitter.com/0JESHJmmu1
— Lindsey Smith (she/her) (@LindseyPSmith7) July 16, 2020
More fence goes up. The Kimmons march is leaving the Back the Blue crowd behind. pic.twitter.com/Ta0GG0cZEW
— Cook Cajun, Punch Nazis (@nogumbofornazis) July 16, 2020
A right-wing agitator, locally known as “Bike Nazi”, made an appearance downtown.
Bike Nazi is here. pic.twitter.com/SgRUJtstlu
— Cook Cajun, Punch Nazis (@nogumbofornazis) July 16, 2020
Arrests continued throughout the day in the area around the Justice Center.
They just arrested a protester who walked through terry shrunk plaza seemingly because he was alone
— 45th ןǝןןɐɹɐd ʇsıpɹnsqɐ ǝpɐbıɹq (@45thabsurdist) July 16, 2020
A protester was arrested for meditating on federal property. I have a lot more footage of this, including a cop shoving another protester’s face, but I can’t post it all right now. pic.twitter.com/wYsXDWJj08
— Lindsey Smith (she/her) (@LindseyPSmith7) July 16, 2020
A protester got this clear footage of the arrest. You can see the PPB officer shoving the protester. pic.twitter.com/8RJ5Fo3Rrz
— Lindsey Smith (she/her) (@LindseyPSmith7) July 16, 2020
Cops on motorcycles appeared and began chasing the protester who got shoved. They got into their car and drove away, and cops chased them. Also, this cop yells at me from being in the street as they’re blocking the street. pic.twitter.com/y8Z9IjDqH7
— Lindsey Smith (she/her) (@LindseyPSmith7) July 16, 2020
A line of officers came out from the Justice Center and counter protesters cheered them. pic.twitter.com/EgGhETnhzJ
— Cory Elia (@TheRealCoryElia) July 16, 2020
Officers heading back toward the Justice Center and getting boo’d pic.twitter.com/yB821ntw3n
— Cory Elia (@TheRealCoryElia) July 16, 2020
Apparently PPA president Daryl Turner showed up to talk to pro-police protesters. https://t.co/YLAiAicrDk
— Lindsey Smith (she/her) (@LindseyPSmith7) July 16, 2020
Despite losing many of their operational and personal belongings in the early morning raid, Riot Ribs is back in operation downtown.
Okay so @riotribs is like a lizard’s tail in that it grows back very quickly. pic.twitter.com/aCiC9yNj8f
— Lindsey Smith (she/her) (@LindseyPSmith7) July 16, 2020
This protester told me that they don’t protest often because they’re at risk for COVID, but they came out today because they’re so mad about Riot Ribs getting destroyed. They also brought food and water for other protesters. pic.twitter.com/lDOw7dQDRb
— Lindsey Smith (she/her) (@LindseyPSmith7) July 16, 2020
Reports that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf is now in Portland.
#BREAKING Motorcade with acting Homeland Security Secty Chad Wolf in Portland #KOIN6NEWS #PortlandProtest #BLM pic.twitter.com/BzBKHoGgke
— Lisa Balick (@lisabKOIN) July 16, 2020
An update from Mayor @tedwheeler: “We are aware that the acting secretary of DHS and his staff are in town. We wish they weren’t. We haven’t been invited to meet with them, and if we were to be, we would decline the offer.”
— Alex Zielinski (@alex_zee) July 16, 2020
Local journalist Sergio Olmos compiled Oregon officials’ tweeted statements about the visit by DHS Acting Secretary Chad Wolf:
A thread on Oregon officials opposing @DHS_Wolf presence in Portland
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) July 17, 2020
There are lots of maskless cops sitting in the parks. These ones waved, laughed at me, and said, “Don’t you have enough footage already?” pic.twitter.com/HEXUNDX4gN
— Lindsey Smith (she/her) (@LindseyPSmith7) July 16, 2020
The evening of July 16th saw demonstrations in two different locations: The East Multnomah County Sheriffs Office and the Justice Center. The avoid confusion, the timeline has been split by location.
East Multnomah County Sheriffs Office
A protest that began at Laurelhurst Park marched to the East Multnomah County Sheriffs Office, which they reaching just after 8:30 PM.
The march has arrived at the East Multnomah County Sheriffs Office. A few riot cops are waiting. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest pic.twitter.com/HpulZF1otc
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 17, 2020
Protesters have assembled, a couple hundred of them perhaps, in front of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s office. Earlier, someone recognized Officer Bartlett, the cop who arrested @TheRealCoryElia a few weeks back. They read the officer’s address out. pic.twitter.com/1aYNLljXOV
— Robert Evans (The Only Robert Evans) (@IwriteOK) July 17, 2020
Twenty minutes pass and little has changed, save for the fact that police are now shining spotlights into the crowd in response to the crowd shining flashlights at them.
— Robert Evans (The Only Robert Evans) (@IwriteOK) July 17, 2020
This is the only proportionate use of Police force I have witnessed in 51 days of Portland protests. pic.twitter.com/oqJze2RpIA
Police reinforcements arrive while, above, what appears to be a large drone hovers over us. pic.twitter.com/ruuE4q4XnV
— Robert Evans (The Only Robert Evans) (@IwriteOK) July 17, 2020
About 10 more officers showed up, around 20 that are visible in all. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest pic.twitter.com/kdMjqRJ4vE
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 17, 2020
Police claim they’ve heard something about people planning to burn down the SE Precinct. They ask peaceful protesters to leave.
— Robert Evans (The Only Robert Evans) (@IwriteOK) July 17, 2020
No one has said anything about burning down anything since I have been here. Horrible violence incoming. pic.twitter.com/NlYmJtEo49
Wow #BlackLivesMatter #PortlandProtests #PortlandProtest #AbolishThePolice #PDXprotests #pdx #DefendPdx #ACAB #Portland #ACABSpring pic.twitter.com/Z6b9n1AH0T
— Daddy M (@R3volutionDaddy) July 17, 2020
Portland protest day 49 pic.twitter.com/6vWtP4Kb0Y
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) July 17, 2020
A line of umbrellas and reflective shields are in front of the crowd. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest pic.twitter.com/OfYNnpWdRW
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 17, 2020
Arriving at **Southeast Precinct. A semi lets out a supportive honk as hundreds of protesters cheer. Cyclists block East Burnside at SE 47th. pic.twitter.com/tTBNxWyWRp
— ?️?Andrew D. Jankowski?️? (@AndrewJank) July 17, 2020
Loose but frequent calls of “Fuck You, Roof Cop!” Similar exposures. Roof Cop has at least two settings. pic.twitter.com/hi6ep05Slp
— ?️?Andrew D. Jankowski?️? (@AndrewJank) July 17, 2020
#BlackLivesMatter #PortlandProtests #PortlandProtest #AbolishThePolice #PDXprotests #pdx #DefendPdx #ACAB #Portland #ACABSpring pic.twitter.com/8Qu1H3RdtE
— Daddy M (@R3volutionDaddy) July 17, 2020
The Portland Police live stream shows a charge and multiple arrests at the MCSO building at 47th and Burnside tonight: pic.twitter.com/QrItmAk4XI
— Zane Sparling (@PDXzane) July 17, 2020
Tensions increasing in E Portland. Police forcing crowd of more than 500 down street. Minutes earlier crowd went running in panic for few seconds. Remarkable sight. pic.twitter.com/Rw2ukRG840
— Arun Gupta Flatten the Ruling Class (@arunindy) July 17, 2020
Snatched at least 5 people. Anyone know who was in that car I’m worried?
— Daddy M (@R3volutionDaddy) July 17, 2020
Caught the second rush from police into the crowd. pic.twitter.com/8W1YwpzCbs
— Danny Peterson (@DannyJPeterson) July 17, 2020
Second big push from the mcso on burnside in PDX, and what appear to be quite a few violations of the restraining order against interference with legal observers and press. https://t.co/61iIbwGQer
— 45th ןǝןןɐɹɐd ʇsıpɹnsqɐ ǝpɐbıɹq (@45thabsurdist) July 17, 2020
East Portland: Cops charging protestors outside of the MCSO with batons. Riot line rushing protestors, forcing us west on Burnside.
— PNW Youth Liberation Front (@PNWYLF) July 17, 2020
Police charge a 3rd time. This is not about getting people to move, because they move whether they are beat up or not. They want to beat up protesters. They volunteer for the rapid response team. They hit people so hard multiple helmets went flying. #PortlandProtest pic.twitter.com/tTE4CkaTJ8
— John #WET’SUWET’ENStrong (@Johnnthelefty) July 17, 2020
Justice Center
Downtown, protestors still gathered for the nightly demonstration in front of the Justice Center.
Previously, federal officers have arrested protesters who have stood on federal property, which means the only “safe” place to stand was the park. But now the park is closed, so the only place to stand is the sidewalk outside the courthouse…. which is federal property. pic.twitter.com/k4v6wJ5569
— Tuck Woodstock (@tuckwoodstock) July 17, 2020
Protesters have moved around the building and are chanting at a small group of police officers. pic.twitter.com/1o2G0CIR7J
— Tuck Woodstock (@tuckwoodstock) July 17, 2020
More officers standing outside the back door to the JC. They’re keeping the door open.
— Tuck Woodstock (@tuckwoodstock) July 17, 2020
The crowd is chanting “let him go;” a protester near me says that they’re referring to someone who was arrested for jaywalking earlier. pic.twitter.com/olU3h1mn8t
Protesters start moving the fence around and PPB immediately appear to return the fence to its place around the square. Standoff now. pic.twitter.com/KBRhlrCQyu
— Tuck Woodstock (@tuckwoodstock) July 17, 2020
Federal officers on SW Madison and 3rd. Only 20ish protesters over here. pic.twitter.com/EfzsfLyRWP
— Tuck Woodstock (@tuckwoodstock) July 17, 2020
Ok yes it’s called the Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building. pic.twitter.com/SbUIO9gcsX
— Tuck Woodstock (@tuckwoodstock) July 17, 2020
Many many shots suddenly fired by feds without warning. Looks like it’s mostly pepper balls being shot onto the ground, rather than at people directly.
— Tuck Woodstock (@tuckwoodstock) July 17, 2020
Pepper balls create a cloud of pepper spray smoke and lots of people are coughing during a pandemic.
Smoking us out with whatever this is. pic.twitter.com/zq43et15Cx
— Tuck Woodstock (@tuckwoodstock) July 17, 2020
This is another video of the swinging smoke thing. This was before I got gassed out of the area. pic.twitter.com/DSjSeJTTyu
— Tuck Woodstock (@tuckwoodstock) July 17, 2020
Federal officers are walking protesors, tear gas has been used pic.twitter.com/f01kxDLDdM
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) July 17, 2020
Hundreds and hundreds of shots of pepper ball or some other less lethal. Lots of smoke. Flash bang. Multiple medics and protesters shot so much that they couldn’t walk.
— Tuck Woodstock (@tuckwoodstock) July 17, 2020
I did a hello hello for y’all but it doesn’t hit the same. pic.twitter.com/OwJBYUEGcW
Federal use Tear gas and impact munitions on protestors, one impact round his me in the ankle. I’m fine pic.twitter.com/AnrSRzkBT1
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) July 17, 2020
Protesters move the fence at the northern park. pic.twitter.com/piCAM23OI5
— Lindsey Smith (she/her) (@LindseyPSmith7) July 17, 2020
The officers move into the federal courthouse after teargassing multiple city blocks. #Teargas #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #justicecenter #riotribs pic.twitter.com/V9qrr9oL3u
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 17, 2020
Protestors in Portland have a long relationship with fences, in short, they don’t get along pic.twitter.com/oopMMawVGQ
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) July 17, 2020
Protestors are moving away, after spotting officers pic.twitter.com/B3YvuXuR6k
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) July 17, 2020
What looks like DHS officers are currently in front of the IRS building next to the Justice Center. #Teargas #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #justicecenter #riotribs pic.twitter.com/Q2YoTT1Iou
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 17, 2020
DHS shooting at press. There were no protesters behind me. I have press on my helmet and am holding out my press pass. #Teargas #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #justicecenter #riotribs pic.twitter.com/gVnp0NPsmv
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 17, 2020
Protesters used part of the fence to block Salmon at 3rd. Riot Ribs is at 4th & Salmon. pic.twitter.com/Ecrwn1oPSV
— Lindsey Smith (she/her) (@LindseyPSmith7) July 17, 2020
Oh, the time? You’d like to know the time?
— Lindsey Smith (she/her) (@LindseyPSmith7) July 17, 2020
It is 5:06 a.m. pic.twitter.com/J7DZ8bPl2s
Media
Present
- Cory Elia (KBOO) – CashApp $CoryElia / paypal.me/CoryElia / Venmo @ Cory-Elia
- Lindsey Smith – CashApp: $LindseyPSmith7 / Venmo: Lindsey-Smith-55
- TJ @nogumbofornazis – CashApp: $nogumbofornazis
- 45th Parallel Absurdist Brigade – CashApp: $45thabsurdist / Venmo: the45thabsurdist
- Tuck Woodstock – CashApp $tuckwoodstock
- Garrison Davis – CashApp $hungrybowtie / paypal.me/garrisondavispdx
- Robert Evans
- Andrew D. Jankowski – CashApp $AndrewJank
Articles
KATU
Video shows bicyclist tackled, arrested by Portland Police
KGW
The New York Times
Feds Vowed to Quell Unrest in Portland. Local Leaders Are Telling Them to Leave.
OPB
Oregon Could Close Prisons To Help Save School Funding During Pandemic
The Oregonian
Experts analyze, weigh in on video of federal officer shooting demonstrator in head
Protections for journalists, legal observers at protests to continue, judge rules
Portland Mercury
DHS Director Decries “Violent Anarchists” Taking Over Portland
Portland Police Arrest Riot Ribs Volunteers During Abrupt Morning Sweep
Rolling Stone
RS Reports: Progressive City, Brutal Police
The Washington Post
Willamette Week
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown Says President Trump Is Invading Portland as an Election Stunt
Police
Agencies Present
- Portland Police Bureau
- Multnomah County Sheriffs
- U.S. Marshals
- Department of Homeland Security
Munitions
- pepper balls
- CS gas
- flash bangs
A protestor holds an unexploded impact munitions found on the floor pic.twitter.com/z1OrlBnJlB
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) July 17, 2020
Here’s some of what was shot just now. pic.twitter.com/N2dQ4yWsFh
— Lindsey Smith (she/her) (@LindseyPSmith7) July 17, 2020
Arrests
Morning/Day Arrests: 9
Evening/Night Arrests: 20
Charges
Morning/Day Arrests: Interfering with a Police Officer, Trespass II Disorderly Conduct II
Evening/Night Arrests: Disorderly Conduct II, Interfering with a Peace Officer, Assaulting a Public Safety Officer, Criminal Trespass II, Reckless Endangering, Elude (Vehicle), Elude (Foot), Reckless Driving, Hit and Run, Resist Arrest