Protests for July 22

Posted on by sal

Summary

The nightly demonstration in Downtown Portland in front of the Justice Center and the Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse occurred as it does nearly every night, this time with a notable guest: Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler. Thousands of people were present at the demonstration, and many made their feelings on Ted Wheeler, who is not only the mayor but also the police commissioner, abundantly clear by chanting “Fuck Ted Wheeler” and “Quit Your Job” both ahead of his arrival and at him after he arrived.

While Ted Wheeler and some protestors spoke in front of the Justice Center, at the Federal Courthouse across the street, protestors were throwing trash over the fence surrounding the courthouse and setting some of it on fire. Shortly after, federal officers made announcements for protestors to clear the area and stop their behavior, and eventually deployed tear gas, pepper balls, and flash bangs at protestors. Mayor Ted Wheeler was still in the crowd at the time and he and his security team also got gassed.

After the second round of tear gas, the mayor left the protest by entering into a city building two blocks west of the Justice Center. Less than an hour later, The Portland Police Bureau (PPB), who had not had a presence at the demonstration thus far, announce over their loudspeaker that they were declaring the gathering a riot. While PPB was making these announcements and threatening use of tear gas, federal officers were already deploying tear gas at protestors.

By about 3 AM, the attacks on protestors by federal officers had halted. Despite making announcements that they would engage protestors with crowd control munitions, PPB never made an appearance at the demonstration. The night ended without further incident after this time.

Scheduled Events

Timelines

Ahead of Ted Wheeler’s planned presence at the nightly demonstration downtown, protestors made their feelings on Portland’s Mayor/Police Commissioner very clear.

Around 9:10 PM, Mayor Ted Wheeler arrived at the demonstration.

Note: “Protest Bureau” below refers to The Portland Protest Bureau, a black-led group in Portland that was created at the start of the George Floyd protests who purport to be leaders of the movement.

Next door to the Justice Center where Ted Wheeler and protestors were speaking, a group of protestors gathered in front of the Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse.

The Snack Van, who announced a few days ago that they would be leaving Portland, made a surprise return.

Just before 11:20 PM, federal officers emerged from the federal courthouse for the first time of the night and deployed tear gas, among other munitions, against protestors. Mayor Ted Wheeler was still in the area.

Around 11:40 PM, federal officers reemerged from the federal courthouse. Shortly after they deployed pepper balls and tear gas at protestors for the second time of the night.

Mayor Ted Wheeler departed the protest by entering The Portland Building, two block West of the Justice Center where protestors were being teargassed heavily by federal forces.

Around 12:30 AM, Portland Police, who hadn’t been seen downtown the whole night, declared a riot.

Multiple fires had been set throughout the night.

The Wall of Moms, who on previous nights had stuck on through multiple rounds of tear gas, were notably not present for very long at the demonstration leaving many asking why. Journalist Tuck Woodstock received an explanation:

Media

Present

Articles

ABC News

Bloomberg

Philadelphia’s Top Prosecutor Is Prepared to Arrest Federal Agents

CNN

The Guardian

Federal agents retreat to Portland base as protesters control streets

KATU

KGW

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler to attend Wednesday night protest

KOIN

Los Angeles Times

Op-Ed: The Border Patrol’s brute power in Portland is the norm at the border

Marie Claire

Portland Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty Has a Message for Trump and the Feds

The Nation

The New York Times

NPR

‘We Will Not Retreat’: Homeland Security Vows Continued Federal Response To Protests

OPB

The Oregonian

Portland Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty slams Mayor Ted Wheeler, blames Portland police for fires being set during protests

Politico

Portland Tribune

Reuters

Court documents reveal secretive federal unit deployed for ‘Operation Diligent Valor’ in Oregon

Truthout

Trump’s “Shockingly Dangerous” Fed Squads Expand Their Reach

Vice

The Washington Post

Willamette Week

Police

Agencies Present

  • U.S. Marshals
  • Portland Police Bureau

Munitions

  • tear gas
  • pepper balls
  • flash bangs
  • lasers

Arrests

Feds: six

Charges

  • failing to comply with a lawful order

Protests for July 21

Posted on by audrey

Summary

On Tuesday, Snack Bloc held an intro to protest safety and movie night, and we encourage you to watch the video below if you haven’t been out before.

Around dusk, large groups gathered downtown at the Justice Center and nearby Waterfront Park, including the Wall of Moms and Dad Bloc. Just after 11 PM, the feds came around the Federal crowd from the east and south sides, and burst through barricades that had been set against the main doors of the Federal Courthouse on the west of the building. Protesters pulled back and formed shield lines in several places to the west of the courthouse. A little before midnight, the feds retreated and protesters pushed forward back into the parks and SW 3rd Avenue.

Around 12:30 AM, after a couple of small fires were started at the courthouse doors, the feds used more tear gas, flash bangs, and impact munitions to clear people away from the building and up toward SW 4th. The feds retreated and by 1:20 AM people had returned to the area outside the courthouse, some of them drumming and dancing. After 1:30 AM protesters had formed a shield line as some of them tore plywood away from the courthouse windows and doors. The feds used more tear gas to push people away, creating a giant plume. During this push, tear gas canisters or other grenades appear to have been aimed at flammable objects including a trash can and the grills at Riot Ribs. When people returned to the park, they discovered that medical supplies and the interiors of the grills had been covered in pepper spray.

We saw a number of serious injuries reported, including head wounds and broken bones, and press and legal observers directly targeted.

Scheduled Events

Snack Bloc movie night: 13th (2016) and Protesting 101 – 8 PM at SE 12th & SE Stark

Timeline

Livestream of the Snack Bloc event if you’d like to check it out!

As with many nights, we’re starting off at the Justice Center with a look around the mutual aid stations in Lownsdale Park.

There’s been a big push to get safety gear for protesters (and journalists, and legal observers) after Donavan LaBella was shot in the head by a US Marshal.

Both the Wall of Moms and Dad Bloc are expected back out in force:

There’s already a big crowd out there:

So many people!

The shield line and the moms are ready, here at the Federal Courthouse:

Barricades are happening!

The feds appear from the Federal Building (two blocks south of the courthouse):

And also out the front of the courthouse:

Various sections of the crowd have pulled back and re-grouped:

In just a few nights, we’ve seen a whole wave of new participants get kitted up and come together:

People are continuing to fill in:

There was a lot of tear gas earlier:

Ready to go again?

A slightly larger fire was started at the other door and the feds respond:

Feds pushing a large group up Main:

Regrouping and getting medical care after that push:

Another round of barricades:

Feds shooting at protesters on SW 4th Ave:

The dance party resumes:

These might be a little out of order, the feds are shooting and tear gassing enough that the reporters don’t have a lot of time to post things.

People are removing plywood from the courthouse now:

It’s been a heavy night for injuries:

https://twitter.com/ProudBulba/status/1285860760766124032

Taking the plywood off summoned some kind of evil spirits:

They seem to be targeting Riot Ribs in this last push:

Feds definitely targeting Riot Ribs:

Tear gas is well-known as a method of conflict de-escalation, no?

Media

Present

Articles

The Atlantic

Nothing Can Justify the Attack on Portland

Asia Art Tours

Interview with Portland’s ‘Riot Ribs’ on the Importance of Mutual Aid in Protests

Buzzfeed

Courthouse News

I Know How to Cover a Portland Protest. So Why Am I Shaking? [CW for sexual assault, police brutality, and PTSD]

Crosscut

Like in Portland, federal agents were in Seattle

Daily Beast

Democracy Now!

It’s Going Down

Portland Awakens: A Report From The Front Lines

Los Angeles Times

Federal agents vs. demonstrators in Portland, Ore.

The New Republic

Trump Has Brought America’s Dirty Wars Home

The Nation

When ‘Law and Order’ Means Maximum Chaos

OPB

The Oregonian

Portland State Vanguard

A conversation with the president of Don’t Shoot Portland

Reuters

U.S. Homeland Security confirms three units sent paramilitary officers to Portland

Time

Trump Praises Federal Officers in Portland and Suggests More Will Be Deployed to Other Cities. Here’s What to Know About the Portland Protests

USA Today

A ‘very dark history’: Oregon’s racist past fuels ongoing protests against injustice in Portland

Washington Post

Violent protest clashes turned Portland into a ‘right-wing boogeyman.’ Here’s how it happened.

Willamette Week

Federal Tactics in Downtown Portland Are Shocking. But Many of Them Are Legal.

Police

Agencies present

  • Federal: US Marshals/DHS/etc

Munitions used

  • tear gas
  • flash bangs
  • pepper balls
  • impact munitions

Number of arrests

PPB: none, Feds: seven

Charges

  • willfully damaging government property
  • arson
  • failing to comply with a lawful order
  • assaulting federal officers

Protests for July 20

Posted on by audrey

Summary

On Monday night, thousands of people took to the streets of downtown Portland to protests the presence of federal paramilitaries in Portland. This included a large Wall of Moms group in yellow shirts, as well as the Dad Bloc in orange shirts, many of them carrying leaf blowers. After a rally on the steps of the Justice Center that included speeches and singing We Shall Overcome, many of the protesters marched north to the murals at the Apple Store before returning to the Justice Center area.

A smaller group of people at the Federal Courthouse began attempting to open a flap on the front of the building (referred to as a “murder hole”) and around 11:30 PM a smoke canister was thrown from inside the building. This drew a larger group to the courthouse, and the yellow-shirted moms moved toward the front as the crowd pushed up against the entire front of the building. Protesters beat on the front the building and pulled at the plywood covering the windows and doors. Eventually they succeeded in tearing the plywood away, and the feds threw more smoke and flashbangs before rushing out, using tear gas and other munitions. At this point many protesters dispersed.

A group of a few hundred people remained, dozens of them facing off the feds with a wall of umbrellas and shields, and when the feds returned inside the courthouse the protesters began throwing water bottles at the murder hole. The feds came out again, deploying more tear gas and pushing through the park. After they pulled back, people resumed cooking and eating at Riot Ribs. There was one last push like this before the end of the night.

Scheduled Events

  • Pacific Northwest Family Circle Weekly Car Caravan – 6:30 PM from PCC Climb Center
  • SE Portland Black Lives Matter Kick-off – 7pm at Lents Park

Timeline

Riot Ribs is looking well-stocked tonight! We’re glad that they’re back in the park and able to have this space to work:

After the moms came out against the feds last night, tonight there’s a dad group as well. In theory, it’s moms in yellow shirts and dads in orange, but we doubt such binary gender lines accurately represent this crowd. At least a thousand people are currently out here:

A better look at the size of the crowd:

“Shout-out to those mothers who are a parent of a black child! That shit is hard, y’all.
You want to be there for them but you also don’t know how because you’re white.
I want to give a shout-out to my own mother who’s here, she’s white.”

The crowd has continued to grow:

Tuck addresses the risk of violence in choosing the Justice Center vs. the Federal Courthouse as the focus of the protest:

https://twitter.com/tuckwoodstock/status/1285436288569499649

Projected on the Justice Center are the words “FED GOONS OUT OF PDX”:

The Federal Courthouse situation is a big contrast from previous nights:

A large section of the crowd marches toward the murals at the Apple store:

Other folks remain at the Justice Center:

https://twitter.com/tuckwoodstock/status/1285448608406319104

Checking in on the march:

Throughout these past nearly two months of protests in Portland, there have been tensions between two clusters of organizers about the type of protest or action that’s needed. The current version of the more reform-oriented group is the “Portland Protest Bureau”, which has some of the same organizers as the earlier Rose City Justice group.

Many of the regular Justice Center protesters refer to the PPB/RCJ members as “swoopers” for their tendency to come along with a megaphone and march groups away from locations that are likely to result in direct interaction with law enforcement.

Good energy tonight though!

Meanwhile, a look at the current state of the courthouse:

Marchers return to the Justice Center:

Someone is bravely? messing with the murder hole on the front of the Federal Courthouse:

Feds respond with smoke:

The moms are ready!

For at least half an hour people have been banging on the courthouse, yelling, pulling at the plywood that covers it. They succeed in getting through:

The feds do not like this:

Protesters have regrouped on Main:

The feds finished whatever repairs they were making to the plywood and went back inside, while protesters move in closer now.

We’re seeing videos circulate of a de-arrest against the feds on the courthouse steps during the initial push, and we’re not including it for the safety of the participants but there are two things to note: it was successful, and the fed they attacked pulled a side-arm on the crowd.

Protesters at the courthouse threw water bottles toward the murder hole from behind a line of shields for the next while:

Lest you think we’ve stopped caring about recycling in this town, know that there are people picking up trash and spent munitions throughout the night.

The feds charge again:

The feds really seriously don’t like the press:

Feds push back through the park with more tear gas and flashbangs:

Some stuff was messed up at Riot Ribs but they’re still grilling:

Courthouse cleanup resumes:

Another round of tear gas:

It was a very small fire:

The crowds continued to dwindle after this.

Media

Present

Articles

Associated Press

Federal agents, local streets: A ‘red flag’ in Oregon

Bellingcat

What You Need To Know About The Battle of Portland

Clypian

Photos: Portland’s 54th Day Of Protests

Courthouse News

Portland Protests Violence From Federal Police

The Guardian

Heavy

Portland Mom Says She Was Groped & Assaulted by Feds During Protest Arrest

The New York Times

OPB

The Oregonian

Portland Mercury

Reuters

Trump to send federal forces to more ‘Democrat’ cities

Slate

Federal Agents Are Only Making the Portland Protesters More Determined

Teen Vogue

Portland Protests Face Violent Federal Crackdown Led by the Trump Administration

Vox

The unmarked federal agents arresting people in Portland, explained

The Washington Post

DHS authorizes personnel to collect information on protesters it says threaten monuments

Willamette Week

Police

Agencies present

  • Feds: US Marshals, DHS, etc.

Munitions used

  • Pepper balls
  • Smoke
  • Tear gas
  • Pepper balls
  • Impact munitions (gel rounds)
  • Flash bangs
  • Pepper spray (directly to the face)

Number of arrests

PPB: none, Feds: five

Charges

  • assaulting a federal officer
  • creating a disturbance
  • trespassing on federal property
  • failing to comply with a lawful order

Protests for July 19

Posted on by sal

Summary

Portland’s 53rd night of protesting saw around 1000 people in front of the Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse, numbers that we haven’t seen since the early days of the protests. Among them were a group of an estimated 300 – 400 moms, who call themselves the Wall of Moms, doctors/medical workers from OHSU, and everyday protestors alike. While a demonstration and march were slated to take place at St. Johns park, this did not happen due to low numbers resulting in safety concerns for those that were there.

Federal officers tear gassed protestors heavily multiple times throughout the night. They also shot munitions liberally, injuring multiple independent journalists including Alex Milan Tracy, Jake Johnson, and Donovan Farley. After several aggressive rounds of tear gas, pepper balls, and flash bangs, federal officers eventually retreated back into the federal courthouse and by 3 AM calm was returned to the area and lasted for the rest of the night.

Scheduled Events

Timeline

At 7 PM, protesters gathered at St. Johns park for a rally and subsequent march.

The rally at St. Johns eventually dissipated without marching, reportedly due to low numbers.

Downtown at the nightly demonstration in front of the Justice Center and Federal Courthouse, the group of moms that were present at last night’s demonstrations returned for Round 2.

Just before 10 PM, federal officers came out of the federal courthouse. In front of them the group of moms stood in a human chain with their backs to the courthouse.

At about 10:30 PM, federal officers appeared to deploy the first flash bang of the night.

Around 11:20 PM, federal officers briefly reemerged from the courthouse.

After a round of pepper balls were shot at protestors on the south side of the fence around the federal courthouse, the line of moms moved further down the fence to fill in the space and protect the protestors behind.

At 11:45 PM, protestors tore down the fence surrounding the federal courthouse.

Around 11:50 PM, federal officers emerged from the federal courthouse building and began firing tear gas at protestors.

While only federal officers were on the street assaulting protestors, Portland Police Bureau officers were spotted shooting unknown munitions out of the small windows in the plywood barriers on the doors of the Justice Center.

Around 12:30 AM Federal officers finished tear gassing the crowd of protestors and went into the IRS building on 3rd and Madison, across from Terry Schrunk Plaza.

An important reminder that can always use repeating:

At around 1:45 AM, federal officers reemerged to mace, tear gas, and push protestors back away from the federal courthouse.

Media

Present

Articles

BBC News

Portland protests: All you need to know about Trump’s crackdown

Portland protests: Mayor demands federal troops leave city

CBS News

Federal officers again tear-gas protesters in Portland, Oregon

KGW

Federal officers use tear gas on crowds outside Justice Center

NBC News

‘Wall of Moms’ stand between Portland Black Lives Matter protesters and federal police

NPR

‘Like Adding Gasoline’: Oregon Officials Blast Trump Response To Portland Protests

The Oregonian

President of Portland police union, targeted in protests, says community has ‘had enough’

Portland Tribune

Portland protester describes beating by federal officers

Reuters

Trump, Portland mayor clash over causes of escalating unrest

Street Roots

Photos | The concerning progression of police response to Portland protests

The Washington Post

Federal officials dismiss Portland leaders’ calls to leave city as clashes with protesters continue

Willamette Week

Portland Public Schools Will Reevaluate All Building Names, Starting With Woodrow Wilson High School

President Trump Has Reenergized Portland’s Protests

Police

Agencies Present

  • U.S. Marshals – Federal Protective Services
  • Portland Police Bureau

Munitions

  • flash bangs
  • pepper balls
  • tear gas

Arrests

No information as of 10:30 AM

Charges

No information as of 10:30 AM

Protests for July 18

Posted on by sal

Summary

There were many different demonstrations throughout the day on July 18th, but in the evening there were two main demonstrations in Portland. One took place downtown in front of the Justice Center and Federal Courthouse, as is customarily the case, the other marched throughout North Portland.

Downtown, the evening’s demonstrations started with a memorial service for Shai’India Harris, an 18 year old girl that was murdered in the Lents area on July 10th, held by her family. Afterwards, protestors gathered in the street between Mark O. Hatfield Courthouse and Lownsdale Park. Notably, one of the first groups to arrive was about a dozen doctors, adorned in their lab coats, who gave speeches. The next group that caught attention was a group of moms that formed a wall by linking arms on the front line of the protest. Chants such as, “feds stay clear, moms are here” and “leave our kids alone” could be heard from this group.

Protestors also made quick work of dismantling a new fence that had come up around the federal courthouse and used it to barricade the courthouse’s front doors. During their first few attempts at this, protestors were met with smoke bombs and federal agents with tear gas. Federal officers attempting to disperse protestors around 11 PM consequently tear gassed and shoved the group of moms as well, much to the ire of the crowd. Despite withstanding multiple rounds of heavy tear gas early in the night, the crowd remained spirited and trekked back to the courthouse area every time. At its peak there were estimates of 300 – 400 people at the demonstration. The night ended largely without incident after early assaults by federal officers.

In North Portland it was a very different scene. Protesters started at Peninsula Park and began marching, at first with seemingly no end goal. Eventually they reached The Portland Police Bureau North Precinct, where they stayed for about an hour playing music, chanting, and allegedly tagging a police car that was left in the open. When PPB began announcing over their loudspeakers for protestors to clear the area, they began marching away from the precinct. This is something that we have seen little to none of since the protests began.

Approximately 2 miles later protestors reached The Portland Police Association building, home of the PPB union. There, they allegedly set dumpsters on fire and allegedly started a fire in the union building itself, although that was relatively small comparatively. Not long after, the gathering was declared a riot and PPB in riot gear came and confronted protestors in a line. Protestors began marching away once again, but this time the riot cops were right behind them. Multiple times as protestors were walking away, PPB rushed at them from the back, tackling people and making multiple arrests.

Eventually protestors were forced to disperse into the dark neighborhoods, where PPB followed them with their loudspeaker disturbing the neighborhood. There were reports of people coming out of their houses to disseminate supplies and provide refuge for the protestors being gassed and shoved. Protestors were pushed towards the highway and told to move East. Unfortunately, the only thing east of them was a wall. The night ended after protestors endured brutal dispersal tactics and attacks from behind from the PPB.

Scheduled Events

Timeline

For clarity, the timeline is split by two locations, Downtown Portland and North Portland. Two separate demonstrations happened in these locations.

Downtown Portland

An event was held by Shai’India Harris’s family in her honor at Salmon Street Springs around 6 PM.

In front of the Justice Center, a few hundred protestors gathered, including a group of doctors.

Federal law enforcement made their first appearance of the night at about 10:45 PM.

Another angle of the same moment above:

North Portland

A demonstration was held at Peninsula Park in North Portland, beginning at 6 PM.

Just before 8:30 PM, protestors coming from Pensinsula Park arrived at the North Police Precinct.

Around 9:30 PM, protestors began moving again, marching away from the North Police Precinct.

At 10:30 PM, protestors marching in North Portland arrived at The Portland Police Association (PPA) building.

At around 11:15 PM, Police charged at protestors a second time.

Media

Present

Articles

ABC News

Oregon attorney general announces lawsuit against federal agents for their tactics on protesters

BBC News

Portland protests: Federal agents ‘abuse power’ in arrests

CBS News

Tear gas deployed in Portland protests as Oregon officials call for federal authorities to leave

CNN

After a Portland Police Association office is set on fire, Trump and the mayor blame each other for more unrest

KGW

Man arrested for shooting into air in downtown Portland after clashing with protesters

Police declare riot in North Portland after union headquarters briefly set on fire

KOIN

Night 51: Riot declared at police union, tear gas used at Justice Center

Los Angeles Times

Federal forces in Portland continue crackdown; protesters and local leaders shout, ‘Go home’

Global News

Oregon attorney general looking to stop federal agents from arresting Portland protesters

The Guardian

Portland: protesters’ outrage grows over federal officers’ ‘blatant abuse’

The New York Times

Federal Officers Deployed in Portland Didn’t Have Proper Training, D.H.S. Memo Said

From Antifa to Mothers in Helmets, Diverse Elements Fuel Portland Protests

OPB

Protests Grow On 52nd Night As Portland Responds To Federal Officers

The Oregonian

‘Anarchists’ provoke tear gas use during Portland protests, police tell Oregon lawmakers

Evidence shows Portland police working with federal officers at protests, contradicting city officials

Feds, right-wing media paint Portland as ‘city under siege.’ A tour of town shows otherwise

Portland protests continue for 52nd night

Protests continue throughout Portland for a 52nd night

Portland Mercury

Portland Police Union Burns, Officers Assault Crowds During July 18 Protests

Waging Nonviolence

Inside the battle for Portland with the independent journalists on the streets

The Washington Post

Oregon attorney general sues federal agencies for allegedly violating protesters’ civil rights

Police

Agencies Present

  • Portland Police Bureau
  • U.S. Marshals
  • Department of Homeland Security

Munitions

  • smoke bomb
  • tear gas
  • pepper spray
  • flash bangs

Arrests

4

Charges

Disorderly Conduct II, Interfering with a Police Officer, Riot,  
Assault Public Safety Officer, Attempt Assault Public Safety Officer, Resisting Arrest

Protests for July 17

Posted on by audrey

Summary

Friday was a big news day. The story of what’s happening in Portland broke in the national press, especially around the topic of federal law enforcement kidnapping protesters. Local reporters dug into some new details: the vans used are being rented from Enterprise, and while Mayor/Police Commissioner Wheeler turned down a chance to talk to interim DHS Chief Chad Wolf on Thursday, others went ahead and didn’t tell the chief of Portland Police about it. This meeting included the head of the Portland Police Association, Daryl Turner. In the early evening, one last story broke: the Oregon Department of Justice is suing the federal agencies involved in attacking Portland protests, and opening their own criminal investigation into the shooting of Donavan LaBella.

An afternoon press conference brought people out to talk about getting the feds out of Portland, and defunding and abolishing the local police. Later, a weekly Fridays 4 Future youth-led march visited the Don’t Shoot PDX community center before marching to Peninsula Park. In the evening, several hundred people gathered back at the Justice Center for a vigil and hip hop performances. As the event was winding down, the feds came out and deployed tear gas into the crowd. Some of the protesters split off and marched past Wheeler’s home in the Pearl District, before a large group reassembled in the parks across from the Federal Courthouse and Justice Center.

At 1:32 AM the Portland Police declared the gathering to be an unlawful assembly and gave everyone five minutes to pack up and leave, including removing sections of fence that had been placed in the road and against the building doors. PPB and the feds worked together to push everyone out and away from the area, using munitions and physically rushing the protesters and journalists. They also arrested people and confiscated supplies and personal belongings from mutual aid groups.

Scheduled Events

Timeline

After the last few days’ news, many of us feel an urgent need to get the PACT paramilitaries out of Portland. This is the focus of at least two events happening today.

But first, we’re happy to say journalist Andrew Jankowski, who was arrested while covering last night’s protest at EMCSO, was released this morning:

The 1 PM press conference:

There were a few interruptions and interlopers, but then a strong finale:

With overlapping events tonight, we’re going to split them into their own sections. Scroll down for the Justice Center and other parts of town.

Fridays 4 Future

Defund Police Village

An abolitionist group is setting up camp in the North Park Blocks:

Justice Center

The vigil and hip hop events have decided to merge, since they both planned to use the area outside the Justice Center.

This would be a change, Hardesty very recently said in an interview (last week?) that she would not want the job.

People have been removing the fences around Chapman and Lownsdale Parks (directly across from the JC) and it looks like they’re starting to block off the street as well. This is looking south, a block from the Justice Center (the Federal Courthouse is just off screen to the left).

You can see how much more space there is for social distancing if people are allowed back into the parks:

There’s an ongoing issue involving a street preacher who’s hassling everyone:

Riot Ribs lives on!

The Portland Police have started to threaten the use of munitions before the hip hop show is even over.

I guess the feds don’t like music. or fun. or being sued by the Oregon DOJ?

Some folks have stayed near the Justice Center and Riot Ribs, others are currently marching:

Back to the Justice Center/Federal Courthouse area:

The marchers who went past Wheeler’s apartment have returned.

Then the feds threw some tear gas out of the window here:

People are putting fencing and sandbags against the entrance to the federal building, which is two blocks down from the courthouse and in normal times just for offices. Now the feds often exit here to start shooting at people.

Protests like this often have long slow periods in between being beaten or teargassed. Not sure if the fireworks are helping.

The Portland Police declared an unlawful assembly at 1:32 AM:

The Riot Ribs folks rented this U-Haul after they got their stuff back from the cops, because they were still in the process of getting things back to the right people (some of whom had been arrested) and there’s nowhere else to hold it.

PPB and the feds continued to attack and arrest people (including threatening journalists) for a while longer.

Other mutual aid groups were also attacked.

https://twitter.com/Bitchwitch20/status/1284434699763552258

Media

Present

Articles

Associated Press

Daily Beast

‘It’s Spooky Right Now’: Inside the Creepy Federal Crackdown on Portland Protesters

FOX News

Note: there are many inaccuracies in this article and accompanying interview. We include it because top DHS and CBP officials often only give interviews to FOX.

Portland protesters flood police precinct, chant about burning it down

The Guardian

Federal officers are using unmarked cars to arrest Portland protesters

Lawfare

What the Heck Are Federal Law Enforcement Officers Doing in Portland?

Mother Jones

Federal Agents Invade Portland, Citing Trump’s Executive Order Protecting Statues

The Nation

Border Patrol Responsible for Portland Arrest

The New York Times

NPR

DHS Official On Reports Of Federal Officers Detaining Protesters In Portland, Ore.

OPB

The Oregonian

Portland Mercury

PSU Vanguard

As federal law enforcement occupies Portland, protests regain momentum

Rolling Stone

RS Reports: Progressive City, Brutal Police

Vice News

Trump Sent Cops to Portland and They’re ‘Kidnapping People off the Streets’

The Wall Street Journal

In Portland, Protests Continue and Federal Agents Arrive, Raising Tensions

Washington Post

Willamette Week

Police

Agencies present

  • Portland Police Bureau
  • Feds: assorted DHS, US Marshals, etc (both blue and camo uniforms)

Munitions used

Number of arrests

PPB: seven

Charges

  • Interfering with a Peace Officer
  • Assaulting a Public Safety Officer
  • Obstructing Governmental Administration
  • Assaulting a Public Safety Officer
  • Disorderly Conduct II
  • Attempt Elude (Vehicle)
  • Resist Arrest
  • Escape III
  • Riot

Protests for July 16

Posted on by sal

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

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.

Both Lownsdale and Chapman Parks were fenced off and there is no public access.

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.

At around noon, pro-police counter-protestors made an appearance downtown by the Justice Center.

A right-wing agitator, locally known as “Bike Nazi”, made an appearance downtown.

Arrests continued throughout the day in the area around the Justice Center.

Despite losing many of their operational and personal belongings in the early morning raid, Riot Ribs is back in operation downtown.

Reports that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf is now in Portland.

Local journalist Sergio Olmos compiled Oregon officials’ tweeted statements about the visit by DHS Acting Secretary Chad Wolf:

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.

Justice Center

Downtown, protestors still gathered for the nightly demonstration in front of the Justice Center.

Media

Present

Articles

KATU

Video shows bicyclist tackled, arrested by Portland Police

KGW

Police clear demonstrators from downtown Portland parks near Justice Center; DHS secretary denounces local violence

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

‘It was like being preyed upon’: Portland protesters say federal officers in unmarked vans are detaining them

Willamette Week

New Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt Must Decide Who Faces Criminal Charges Amid Portland’s Protests

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

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 
 



Protests for July 15

Posted on by audrey

Summary

On Wednesday, PDX Stripper Strike held a lively organizing picnic at Laurelhurst Park. In the evening, folks gathered at Lownsdale Park across from the Federal Courthouse to enjoy another meal from Riot Ribs. No local or federal law enforcement officers were seen for much of the night, until an incident with a person leaving the precinct garage who shoved a protester and reportedly pulled a gun.

At 5 AM, the Portland Police declared the parks closed and begun putting up fencing. Several people were arrested, including most of the Riot Ribs crew, and all of the gear and supplies they’ve gathered were taken. In a time of severe economic struggle, the free meals and safe campsite that’s been offered here are a meaningful show of what Portland can be. There is nothing about these sweeps and arrests that supports community safety.

Scheduled Events

PDX Stripper Strike – 3pm at Laurelhurst Park

Timeline

The Stripper Strike folks are having a picnic to talk about their organizing efforts:

https://twitter.com/gravemorgan/status/1283547174135971840

Back at the Justice Center for another night of food, friends, and protesting the police (with possible guest appearances by the feds):

https://twitter.com/tuckwoodstock/status/1283625243894886400

People have set up a barrier to block traffic outside the Federal Courthouse:

Shoutout to the folks giving the parks bathroom a badly needed scrub!

Good crowd:

https://twitter.com/econbrkfst/status/1283649628701773824

All dogs are good.

Because the feds are using unmarked cars, people have been trying to take down the license plate so they can be recognized later (when they grab someone off the street, for example).

https://twitter.com/ProudBulba/status/1283664541981671424

Folks started a fire at the base of the Elk Statue (minus Elk these days) as often happens at some point in the night:

Things settled down for the night, then at 5 AM the Portland Police announced they were going to sweep the parks:

Police assault a cyclist:

The president of the Portland Police Association was invited to come watch the sweeps ?

Folks from Riot Ribs were arrested, and all their gear taken by the police:

https://twitter.com/riotribs/status/1283790026229395456

Media

Present

Articles

KOIN

‘Intolerable’: Lawmakers blast federal response to Portland protests

Chicago Tribune

President Donald Trump says announcement coming on dealing with crime in Chicago, other Democrat-run cities

The Oregonian

2 Portland parks near Justice Center, federal courthouse closed amid ongoing protests

Willamette Week

Federal Officers Sent by President Trump Run Downtown. Little Restrains Them.

New Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt Must Decide Who Faces Criminal Charges Amid Portland’s Protests

Police

Agencies present

  • Portland Police Bureau

Munitions used

Number of arrests

None reported by PPB or federal agencies

Charges

  • Interfering with a Police Officer
  • Trespass II
  • Disorderly Conduct II 

Protests for July 14

Posted on by audrey

Summary

On Tuesday, protesters at the Justice Center enjoyed a feast courtesy of Riot Ribs. A march organized by Rose City Justice went from Revolution Hall to downtown, drawing about 200 people. There were reports throughout the night of individual arrests by the feds, including people being pulled into unmarked cars for no obvious reason. It’s unclear whether these people are being charged with a crime.

Things remained calm for much of the night, with a visit from riot cops a little after 1 AM, who removed some of the street barricades then left. At about 3:30 AM, the feds came out and used a substantial amount of tear gas and pepper balls on the remaining protesters, as well as people who were sleeping in tents in Lonsdale park. The rest of the barricades were removed by Portland Police early this morning.

Scheduled Events

Vigil for Vanessa Guillen and BIPOC United Rally – 6:30 PM, Hillsboro Civic Center

Public Meditation: Black Lives Matter – 7 PM, Chapman Square

Timeline

Riot Ribs is prepping some vegetarian options for tonight:

https://twitter.com/riotribs/status/1283245835585642497

There’s another march happening, organized by Rose City Justice:

New art at the JC:

Back to the RCJ march, now in SE Portland:

Riot Ribs is expecting a sweep tomorrow morning and could use some support from anyone who’s available to come down there:

Protesting the injury of Donavan LaBella this past weekend:

Barricades continue to develop. Did you know that street barricades protect protesters from car attacks and accidents?

There are reports that a houseless person was arrested:

Several people have commented that the bushes in Terry Schrunk Plaza are a very popular place to take care of that need. (And unfortunately also federal property.)

https://twitter.com/LindseyPSmith7/status/1283292100700680193

So far, so chill, at the drum circle:

Protesters await the 1 AM PPB shift change:

Someone starts a trash fire but it isn’t popular:

People work on rebuilding the barricade the riot cops took apart:

Another arrest:

We’ve also been seeing reports of the feds grabbing people and pulling them into unmarked cars.

I’m not an expert on this, but isn’t it normal to be told you’re being arrested before they take you away?

Around 3:30 AM the feds started deploying an enormous amount of tear gas:

The feds appear to leave, then return with more tear gas:

https://twitter.com/FancyJenkins/status/1283384339510620163

The folks at KOIN could smell tear gas inside their building:

Media

Present

Articles

Associated Press

Chaotic protests prompt soul-searching in Portland, Oregon

The Guardian

Sound of the police: how US law enforcement uses noise as a weapon

OPB

Political Fight Over Violence By Federal Officers In Portland Deepens

The Oregonian

Oregon’s congressional delegation: Portland demonstrator wounded by U.S. Marshals Service tactical unit member

Portland protesters march from Revolution Hall for first time in weeks

Tear gas deployed as federal officers disperse protesters overnight in downtown Portland

Portland Mercury

Hall Monitor: Crossing the Line

Willamette Week

Mayor Ted Wheeler Calls on Federal Officers to Leave Portland: “We Do Not Need or Want Their Help”

Protesters Feast on Riot Ribs, a Donations-Only Barbecue in the Center of a Standoff With the Feds

Police

Agencies present

  • Federal: US Marshals/DHS/etc
  • Portland Police Bureau

Munitions used

  • Tear gas
  • Pepper balls
  • Flash bang grenades

Number of arrests

PPB: none reported / Feds: unknown

Charges

Protests for July 13

Posted on by sal

Summary

The demonstration on July 13th deviated from other nights in that it was held in front of the Portland Police Association (PPA) building in North Portland, rather than downtown in front of the Justice Center per usual. When demonstrators reached the PPA building around 7:30 PM, they were almost immediately met with officers in riot gear. The stand-off between protestors and Portland Police lasted throughout the night.

The first incident of officers pushing protestors back and off the street occurred just before 9 PM. Many more pushes happened before the end of the action, some including using tear gas on protesters, others where officers pushed protesters back with just batons.

The demonstration in front of the Justice Center was reportedly very small, as most protestors concentrated their efforts at the PPA building. At the end of the demonstration around 3 AM, some protestors did make their way to the Justice Center.

Around 12:15 AM the Portland Police declared the gathering a riot, and pushed protestors, members of the press, and legal observers alike back away from the PPA building. There were a few arrests scattered throughout the night and evidence of the deployment of tear gas and pepper spray on protestors.

Scheduled Events

No Confidence at the PPA – 5:30 PM

Weekly Car Caravan to Protest Police Violence – 5:30 PM

Timeline

At 8:30 AM, Portland Police Officers detained a 12 year old child for allegedly adding accelerant to a fire at the site of the former elk statue in Downtown Portland. The child has since been released to his mother.

Protestors at a demonstration in Kenton Park that began at 5:30 PM made their way towards The Portland Police union building, which they reached around 7:30 PM.

Downtown, the nightly demonstration in front of the Justice Center had fewer numbers than most nights.

From Riot Ribs, a group that has been feeding protestors in front of the Justice Center most nights (Note: PPA is The Portland Police Association):

Back at The Portland Police Association building:

At about 12:15 AM, The Portland Police declared a riot.

The Portland Police cited a broken window at the PPA building as their reason for declaring a riot. The window in question was broken when a PPB officer hit a protestor’s phone out of their hand and behind the line of riot officers, shown here:

There were some reports at approximately 3 AM that some protestors from in front of the PPA building were heading to Lownsdale Square in front of the Justice Center. There didn’t appear to be any journalists going with them, so this move was not well-documented.

Media

Present

Articles

The Columbian

KATU

KGW

NBC

OPB

The Oregonian

The Washington Post

Willamette Week

Police

Agencies Present

  • Portland Police Bureau

Munitions

Arrests

Five

Charges

  • Interfering with Police Officer
  • Disorderly Conduct II
  • Unlawful Pointing of a Laser (4 counts)