Summary
(*FLASH WARNING*: In multiple videos, federal agents were seen using a rapidly flashing light aimed at protestors. All footage that captures this light have a flash warning above them as well as a video description explaining the clip’s contents. Please avoid watching these videos if you have epilepsy and/or are affected by flashing lights.)
In Downtown Portland, demonstrations in front of the Justice Center and Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse continued as they have nearly every night for over the last 60 days. Estimates from journalists put the number of protestors in the area around 500 people at its peak.
The night began with most protestors in front of the Justice Center, where they listened to speakers and music. Without evidence of provocation, federal officers began teargassing the demonstration at around 11 PM, and continued to do so with only small breaks in between for the next few hours. At around 11:50 PM, federal officers came out of the federal courthouse from multiple sides and boxed many protestors into a few city blocks and began pushing them east away from the courthouse. Multiple arrests were made at this time. Federal officers also appeared to re-enter the courthouse building multiple times, only to reemerge each time and deploy more tear gas, impact munitions, and pepper balls at protestors. Despite the dwindling number of protestors by 1 AM, federal officers continued to deploy large amounts of tear gas.
Just before 2 AM, federal officers were seen driving into the area in two unmarked cars, one black and one white. Officers jumped out of the car and appeared to attempt to detain a protestor that was in Lownsdale Park across from the federal courthouse. It is unclear if they succeeded at detaining anyone, but they quickly got back into the two cars and drove west away from the scene. As the rest of the federal officers on the ground returned to the courthouse, they continued deploying tear gas at the small crowd that remained.
The night ended by about 3 AM without further incident or confrontation from law enforcement officers.
Scheduled Events
- Daily BLM Demonstration – Nike World Campus – Noon
- Holding Space for Black and Brown Girls & Non-Binary Femmes – 6 PM
- Gresham Black Lives Matter Peaceful Family Rally – 6 PM
- Car Caravan Protest – 6 PM
Timeline
At least 500 here to protest on Wednesday July 29th in Portland Oregon. Most in front of the Justice Center, but a few hundred in front of courthouse. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #wallofmoms #WallOfDads #PortlandMoms pic.twitter.com/LvR0D8Azbp
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 30, 2020
The couple hundred people in front of Justice Center. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #PortlandStong #wallofmoms #WallOfDads #PortlandMoms pic.twitter.com/B0IQneynd4
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 30, 2020
The Wall of Moms are once again in front of the Federal Courthouse. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #PortlandStong #wallofmoms #WallOfDads #PortlandMoms pic.twitter.com/hvdbQglGIO
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 30, 2020
— Cory Elia (@TheRealCoryElia) July 30, 2020
New overhead lights installed on the courthouse. A Black Power fist projected on the front of the justice center. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #PortlandStong #wallofmoms #WallOfDads #PortlandMoms pic.twitter.com/JAZ8dTqaM5
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 30, 2020
Local activist Mac Smiff gave a rousing speech to protestors on the steps of the Justice Center.
I don’t think j @MacSmiff literally dropped the mic at the end of this but he really should have… pic.twitter.com/wKrvAEWauC
— Daddy M (@R3volutionDaddy) July 30, 2020
Transcript: “… try and reform the police, because it doesn’t do anything. The police are not a reformable institution. The police really aren’t even an institution, the police union is an institution, and the city is an institution, the Portland Police Bureau is just a group of signed checks. I’m […] right now. I need you guys to understand that our fight is a long fight. Because we are not just fighting against the city, we’re not just fighting against Donald Trump, we’re fighting against all of them. [drums] the bad guys are fighting this shit. But! They said Black Lives Matter. ‘Cause we do. But they wanted us to focus on the problem, not the solution. And they dangled the funding in front of our faces as if, oh yeah that’s not really gonna happen. And we looked into it, and that shit is real. Defunding the police is an action that can happen tomorrow. [drums] right now and cut the budget. It can fucking happen. And then quit. [drums] Understand, understand, but to do nothing is […] but know my friends talk you into voting on oversight improvement, in November. That is bullshit. And when they ask you this week, if that’s what you want to do, you tell them that’s bullshit! And you tell them we’re taking [funding?] from the fucking cops, give it to our schools, give it to mental health, [drums and cheering] Some people have way less, way less than anybody else! And you all know what I’m talking about. None of this shit would be happening, we wouldn’t have gangs and shit if people had what they fucking needed to have.”
Federal Protective Services (Homeland Security) officers were heard for the first time of the night at 10:50 PM making announcements to protestors over their loudspeakers.
Announcements now being made by the FPS about not damaging the fence.
— Cory Elia (@TheRealCoryElia) July 30, 2020
Federal officers released their first round of tear gas just before 11 PM.
The Feds have started teargassing. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #PortlandStong #wallofmoms #WallOfDads #PortlandMoms pic.twitter.com/7dTJWLHrdl
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 30, 2020
Feds are spraying something from roof. No idea what it is, but tear gas is in air. pic.twitter.com/mSxsqGNAFT
— Arun Gupta Flatten the Ruling Class (@arunindy) July 30, 2020
And the Feds have gone back inside after a brief teargassing. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #PortlandStong #wallofmoms #WallOfDads #PortlandMoms pic.twitter.com/8Xzwvd5gxR
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 30, 2020
Kind of late to the downtown Portland protests, I see a cloud of tear gas bloom as I approach. Haven’t been down in a couple nights, and the air is spicy, the crowd around 500 strong. There are flood lights now and Honey Buckets and this guy: pic.twitter.com/JP1RpvWjuf
— Suzette Smith (@suzettesmith) July 30, 2020
Spotter for feds, about 7 stories up. pic.twitter.com/s8g4FI1aU3
— Arun Gupta Flatten the Ruling Class (@arunindy) July 30, 2020
Just saw a red laser pop down and target this light, which has been projecting an image of a storm trooper onto the side of the federal courthouse. pic.twitter.com/ggjMMz9TZx
— Suzette Smith (@suzettesmith) July 30, 2020
Federal Protective Services officers declared an unlawful assembly at 11:30 PM and deployed a second round of tear gas.
An unlawful assembly was just declared by FPS
— Cory Elia (@TheRealCoryElia) July 30, 2020
Damn. Gassed again. It’s not even midnight! #BlackLivesMatter #PortlandProtests #PortlandProtest #AbolishThePolice #PDXprotests #pdx #DefendPdx #ACAB #Portland #ACABSpring pic.twitter.com/9lAf1usHRl
— Daddy M (@R3volutionDaddy) July 30, 2020
There’s a flurry of less lethal rounds, flash bang grenades, and tear cas cannisters. The cannisters are arcing high so they go a far distance and land in the park. pic.twitter.com/E6wACWyZ7N
— Suzette Smith (@suzettesmith) July 30, 2020
Drums are still drumming and crowd is holding strong like nothing even happened.
— Daddy M (@R3volutionDaddy) July 30, 2020
#BlackLivesMatter #PortlandProtests #PortlandProtest #AbolishThePolice #PDXprotests #pdx #DefendPdx #ACAB #Portland #ACABSpring pic.twitter.com/GvKJXwRq7u
The courtyard is completely full of teargas, folks doing a good job keeping the streets clean. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #PortlandStong #wallofmoms #WallOfDads #PortlandMoms pic.twitter.com/OqkERvm2Qf
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 30, 2020
After filling the courtyard with teargas, the Feds head back inside the courthouse. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #PortlandStong #wallofmoms #WallOfDads #PortlandMoms pic.twitter.com/Xr6vtq8aCq
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 30, 2020
At about 11:50 PM, federal officers exited the courthouse onto the street.
Federal officers lining up on SW 4th. So excited to see if they respect the order to not interfere with press.
— Suzette Smith (@suzettesmith) July 30, 2020
To be clear unsure what provoked this push as we were just getting gassed from the courthouse then the feds showed up from the other end on 5th… also FPS car just drove down yamhill towards the jc
— Daddy M (@R3volutionDaddy) July 30, 2020
*FLASH WARNING*: The clip below contains rapidly flashing lights.
Video Description: Federal officers are seen standing nearby as an offscreen group of federal agents pushes protestors north away from the federal courthouse. A trumpet can be heard playing in the background, and protestors passing by are chanting “Walk, don’t run” and “Stay together, stay tight. We do this every night”.
A squad of feds left the courthouse going north on second and most protesters have left the area in front of the courthouse. pic.twitter.com/JIk7qJhMNv
— Cory Elia (@TheRealCoryElia) July 30, 2020
An island of journalists pic.twitter.com/Qcrfb1dolI
— Suzette Smith (@suzettesmith) July 30, 2020
The Feds are definitely trying to box people in around the courthouse. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #PortlandStong #wallofmoms #WallOfDads #PortlandMoms pic.twitter.com/PySX8BxReX
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 30, 2020
CBP agents and BORTAC officers have moved in from the South, while DHS agents approached from the West firing a small volley of Teargas. Most protesters have moved further North, with some @WallOfMoms & @WallofVets remained. #PortlandProtest #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/IENqUYSbcP
— Portland Independent Documentarians (@PDocumentarians) July 30, 2020
*FLASH WARNING*: The clip below contains rapidly flashing lights.
Video description: A line of federal officers advances east, pushing protestors away from the intersection just north of the federal courthouse. There is a group, made up largely of press, seen passing a line of federal officers facing south.
The federal officers have kettled hundreds of people. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #PortlandStong #wallofmoms #WallOfDads #PortlandMoms pic.twitter.com/yS37ar3r26
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 30, 2020
The Feds have pushed everyone back to 2nd and Salmon. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #PortlandStong #wallofmoms #WallOfDads #PortlandMoms pic.twitter.com/2GYMbB7UNs
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 30, 2020
*FLASH WARNING*: The clip below contains rapidly flashing lights.
Video Description: One federal officer in a tan camouflage uniform is seen holding their weapon at eye level and shoots munitions (presumably pepper balls) towards a group of protestors, some holding homemade shields. Members of the press are seen documenting the moment to the side of the space between federal officers and protestors.
One officer was determined to shoot at head level into a crowd of people, and he did. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #PortlandStong #wallofmoms #WallOfDads #PortlandMoms pic.twitter.com/rOEsNDqPB2
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 30, 2020
This is probably the most amount of Feds I’ve seen in one place. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #PortlandStong #wallofmoms #WallOfDads #PortlandMoms pic.twitter.com/ihc2nmmLpE
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 30, 2020
Federal officers pulling back and an arrest being made pic.twitter.com/iuhMYatfdj
— Cory Elia (@TheRealCoryElia) July 30, 2020
The federal officers walk east on SW Main and cover their retreat with tear gas.
— Suzette Smith (@suzettesmith) July 30, 2020
In total, they lined up along SW 4th and SW Madison, walked in to the intersection of SW 3rd and Main and then left ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ pic.twitter.com/3pJ1vbh7vO
They’re back. This is just my evening now pic.twitter.com/4pj2GKXk0B
— Suzette Smith (@suzettesmith) July 30, 2020
Federal officers are holding a line between Salmon and Main on 2nd pic.twitter.com/WpDE7XPurf
— Cory Elia (@TheRealCoryElia) July 30, 2020
Pushed up salmon a lot of the protesters in the park scattered in smaller groups. I’m hearing there are cops literally everywhere downtown please be careful stay in groups
— Daddy M (@R3volutionDaddy) July 30, 2020
As a group of federal officers attempted to leave the scene, the side door to the courthouse they were using got jammed before closing fully.
The door is stuck open and they are attempting to fix it. pic.twitter.com/1xX5uWCoOU
— Cory Elia (@TheRealCoryElia) July 30, 2020
The incremental push continues. Protesters tried to rally shield lines to the front, to no avail. The protesters are now pushed to the intersection of 3rd & Salmon. #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/xGtf4vUzAH
— Portland Independent Documentarians (@PDocumentarians) July 30, 2020
More teargas flying and the Feds brutally arrest someone and slam them on the pavement. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #PortlandStong #wallofmoms #WallOfDads #PortlandMoms pic.twitter.com/8JadrogoiR
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 30, 2020
Feds hold the line at 3rd and Salmon. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #PortlandStong #wallofmoms #WallOfDads #PortlandMoms pic.twitter.com/5XPIvECTaO
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 30, 2020
This federal officer just warned journalists not to touch the spent munition casings on the ground. This incremental advance tactic seems to have become the new norm tonight. #PortlandProtest #PDXprotests #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/8HexiFRtKx
— Portland Independent Documentarians (@PDocumentarians) July 30, 2020
The guys in the dark blue/black say “POLICE” the front, but on the back they are more clearly indentified as Customs and Border Patrol. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #PortlandStong #wallofmoms #WallOfDads #PortlandMoms pic.twitter.com/tpUglPivVD
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 30, 2020
As the officers pull back again, they give their customary goodbye, lots of teargas. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #PortlandStong #wallofmoms #WallOfDads #PortlandMoms pic.twitter.com/DRs0yiWSRn
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 30, 2020
The Feds in the back of the courthouse also enter the building. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #PortlandStong #wallofmoms #WallOfDads #PortlandMoms pic.twitter.com/RfZlBMPX1a
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 30, 2020
Now tons of officers have decided to come back out again on the east side, even though the area was deserted by the protesters. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #PortlandStong #wallofmoms #WallOfDads #PortlandMoms pic.twitter.com/JPZWVUj03r
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 30, 2020
Brief confrontation. Officers come out onto SW 2nd and this dad schools:
— Suzette Smith (@suzettesmith) July 30, 2020
“Can I stand here? In my street? Get the fuck out of my city!” pic.twitter.com/h8RyS09Pdo
The Feds come out into the courtyard to shoot some teargas and stun grenades, there’s only like 100 people in the park at this point. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #PortlandStong #wallofmoms #WallOfDads #PortlandMoms pic.twitter.com/nwQypT1evX
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 30, 2020
Federal officers drove up to protestors in unmarked, seemingly civilian vehicles.
Nightmare fuel: White and black mini vans pull up and officers pop out. They seemed to go after someone in the park, but if they got them, I didn’t see anyone get put in the van. pic.twitter.com/gumhMfaWGr
— Suzette Smith (@suzettesmith) July 30, 2020
A snatch and grab attempt was made. Federal officers in two unmarked vehicles just rushed the protesters close to the fence, and into the park. #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/EAbJc7t6ci
— Portland Independent Documentarians (@PDocumentarians) July 30, 2020
Federal officer from behind the perimeter fence offered support by fire for officers doing the snatch & grab. #PortlandProtest #PDXprotests #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/Rz7b5AiLTG
— Portland Independent Documentarians (@PDocumentarians) July 30, 2020
More teargas shot onto 3rd Ave and the courtyard. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #PortlandStong #wallofmoms #WallOfDads #PortlandMoms pic.twitter.com/aBxpkOIkS2
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 30, 2020
The park is also completely full of teargas. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #PortlandStong #wallofmoms #WallOfDads #PortlandMoms pic.twitter.com/mGJbBgJT3j
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 30, 2020
As the Feds head back into the courthouse, they send out a goodbye teargassing. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #PortlandStong #wallofmoms #WallOfDads #PortlandMoms pic.twitter.com/WvoeG3IzSR
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 30, 2020
More of the glowing black smoke grenade. Also a shot of the teargas at the end. #blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #portland #oregon #blm #acab #PortlandProtest #PDXprotest #PortlandStong #wallofmoms #WallOfDads #PortlandMoms pic.twitter.com/L370eDx5AW
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) July 30, 2020
Focusing on observing and shooting out of the murder holes at this point pic.twitter.com/iv6066rMEg
— Jake “wear a mask” Johnson (@FancyJenkins) July 30, 2020
Been pretty chill after the initial rush followed by the distant stand off with lots of gas and shooting through the fence. DHS agents were shining a flashlight on a very slow walk around the inside of the fence to much heckling. pic.twitter.com/PNgB9WkvzS
— Jake “wear a mask” Johnson (@FancyJenkins) July 30, 2020
Someone is beating a drum. Someone else is listening to music. There have been many unmarked police/ Fed vehicles leaving and heading north on second. Some circled some didn’t. Going live for a chill time during a chill time
— Jake “wear a mask” Johnson (@FancyJenkins) July 30, 2020
Media
Present
- Arun Gupta
- Beth Nakamura (The Oregonian)
- Cory Elia (KBOO) – CashApp $CoryElia / paypal.me/CoryElia / Venmo @ Cory-Elia
- Garrison Davis – CashApp $hungrybowtie / paypal.me/garrisondavispdx
- Jake Johnson @FancyJenkins – CashApp: $bucksarecool / Venmo: jakefartstoo / http://Paypal.me/fancyjenkins
- Portland Independent Documentarians – CashApp: $portlandindepend / PayPal: https://paypal.me/portlandindepend
- @R3volutionDaddy – CashApp: $pdxalissa / Venmo: @R3volutionDaddy
- Suzette Smith
Articles
ABC News
Federal court to review ‘protest bans’ in Portland arrests
Oregon governor announces ‘phased withdrawal’ of federal officers from Portland
BBC News
Portland protests: Federal forces ready for phased pull-out
Bon Appetit
No Matter How Many Meals We Serve, They’re Still Going to Attack Us
CNBC
Oregon, federal government reach deal for withdrawal of agents from Portland
CNN
Homeland Security and Oregon reach deal to begin withdrawing federal agents from Portland
Courthouse News
‘Occupying Force’ of Federal Agents to Begin Pulling Out of Portland, Oregon
Daily Beast
What Pullout? Feds Gas Moms in Fresh Portland Crackdown
The Hill
Trump blasts Oregon officials over Portland protests
KGW
Journalist shot in the face with impact munition by federal agents during Portland protest
Tear gas in the air, officers hit the streets on Day 63 of Portland protests
KOIN
Photos: Portland, outside the protest zone
Medium
Portland is No ‘White Spectacle,’ but a Flashpoint in the Struggle for Human Dignity
Mother Jones
Trump Threatens to Escalate Federal Invasion of Portland
NBC News
Oregon governor says feds to leave Portland, but feds say they’re staying
The New York Times
Federal Agencies Agree to Withdraw From Portland, With Conditions
NPR
For Some Arrested At Portland Protests, Release Is Conditional On Not Attending More
Oregon Gov. Says Federal Officers Will Begin Phased Withdrawal From Portland
OPB
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announces ‘phased’ removal of federal officers from Portland
‘Very serious conversations’ underway to remove federal officers from Portland
The Oregonian
No-protest condition will be dropped for people facing federal charges in Portland demonstrations
Portland protesters react Wednesday to news that federal officers may withdraw (live updates)
Portland’s Wall of Moms crumbles amid online allegations by former partner, Don’t Shoot PDX
Portland Mercury
With Some Feds Leaving Portland, How Will Protest Policing Dynamics Change?
ProPublica
We Are Tracking What Happens to Police After They Use Force on Protestors
The Washington Post
Protests live updates: Trump threatens to send National Guard to Portland
Willamette Week
Hardesty and Wheeler Declare Truce and Send Portland Voters a Proposal for Police Reform
Portland Comedian and Musician Creme Brulee Has Become a Fixture of the Protests—Mostly By Dancing
Gov. Kate Brown Says Feds Have Agreed to “Phased Withdrawal” From Portland Starting Thursday
Police
Agencies Present
- Department of Homeland Security – Federal Protective Services
- Customs & Border Protection
- U.S. Marshals
- Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC)
Munitions
- tear gas
- pepper balls
- flash bangs
- impact munitions
For those wondering those were marking rounds that hit me in the crotch and collarbone during my livestream. These guys actually aimed for the open spaces on my armor. That’s some impressive aim. pic.twitter.com/wakhCNlgIw
— Cory Elia (@TheRealCoryElia) July 30, 2020
I believe it to be this device pic.twitter.com/suTTvyJvy5
— Cory Elia (@TheRealCoryElia) July 30, 2020
Arrests
Charges
Assaulting a federal officer x 3, Failure to comply with a lawful order x 1