Saturday was a long day of protests, starting with a counter-event to a rally that encompassed a large collection of far-right groups. Trump supporters, Proud Boys, Three Percenters, and QAnon appeared to be represented. In the two hours that the right-wing groups faced off with BLM protesters, there was significant fighting, use of mace, and a loaded pistol drawn by a well-known far-right participant. Reporters on the scene described it as the most violent event they’ve witnessed to date. Portland Police remained behind the scenes, making LRAD announcements that encouraged groups to self-monitor, despite a situation that many people present described as a full riot. As the far-right protesters were leaving and BLM protesters remained in Terry Schrunk Plaza, which is a federal property, DHS officers declared it an unlawful gathering and cleared the park.
Saturday night, BLM protesters gathered at Normandale Park in NE Portland for a march to the Penumbra Kelly Building, which houses a Multnomah County Sheriffs Office and Portland Police precinct. The march was impeded by a line of riot police blocking the I-84 overpass at NE 47th Ave. The march turned back to find another route, only to see police blocking the road in the direction protesters had been told to go. The marchers then changed tactics and organized a carpool from the park to their destination.
At the Penumbra Kelly Building, protesters chanted and played music, waiting for riot police to catch up to them. A large art piece of a guillotine with a teddy bear under the blade was set up in the driveway of the building, in front of the protest line. The piece was later set on fire. Protesters threw occasional water bottles in the direction of the police, mostly staying off the property as the LRAD continued to warn against trespassing. After a protester was observed firing paintball rounds at the building, police declared it an unlawful assembly and pushed the group west into the neighborhood, where a chaotic scene ensued with several arrests and conflicting instructions on where to go. During this push, police announced that the protest was now a riot.
After police retreated, a smaller group of protesters returned to the building, setting fire to a mattress and other items in the street. The protest dispersed without further police interactions after 2 AM.
Scheduled Events
- Banner Bloc Party – noon at the Justice Center
- Normandale Park Direct Action March – 8 PM
Timeline
Downtown
Today a BLM counter-protest is happening against a far-right “rally against Marxism” event. (“Cultural Marxism” is a racist dog-whistle.)
Hello, coming to you live at this horrible hour at the Justice Center, where a handful of far-right demonstrators have already assembled#PortlandProtest #portlandstrong #DefendPDX pic.twitter.com/CSojMWjRR6
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 22, 2020
13 right-wing protesters, about 10 counter protesters. I’m not seeing any guns so far
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 22, 2020
A patrol of 3 cops is wandering about but keeping their distance
Portland protest day 86 pic.twitter.com/5PItjwRox8
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) August 22, 2020
We have guns
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 22, 2020
Two AR-15 style rifles, a handgun, and a likely concealed handgun (magazines visible) pic.twitter.com/iJSWiagrJU
There groups all around justice center: Trump bikers, Patriot flag waivers, Pop Mob, BLM protestors pic.twitter.com/YDYyXqJXtg
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) August 22, 2020
There are so many different types of protestors and counter protestors pic.twitter.com/ICBgDaXR06
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) August 22, 2020
We have an exceedingly large caravan of far right bikers and cars pic.twitter.com/wWx99Y801c
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 22, 2020
Crowd chanting USA. This is a very tense moment in downtown Portland pic.twitter.com/NYITubkNYX
— Zane Sparling (@PDXzane) August 22, 2020
Right wing crowd is used tasers, hell is breaking loose pic.twitter.com/2QX7b6ls5g
— Donovan “It was the blurst of times” Farley ?? (@DonovanFarley) August 22, 2020
The LRAD is telling people to police themselves:
Portland Police respectfully ask everyone to remain peaceful pic.twitter.com/zddUkD6hA1
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 22, 2020
Several of the far-right protesters have QAnon statements, including “save our children” and this cryptic code:
Does anyone know what’s up with these two shields in the middle? pic.twitter.com/dRBimzLjMf
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 22, 2020
And here the situation stands. Antifascist reinforcements have arrived. Both lines of humans have stopped fighting for the moment. Now everyone is just shouting while the police LRAD distantly tells everyone to please stay nice. pic.twitter.com/GhX760yBFC
— Robert Evans (The Only Robert Evans) (@IwriteOK) August 22, 2020
Fresh photo from @_jlevinson of Proud Boy “Tiny” Tusitala at today’s demonstrations in Portland. A likely violation of his parole for assaulting people at similar protests. pic.twitter.com/2HklfmT3N9
— Ryan Haas (@ryanjhaas) August 22, 2020
On the other side there is music chanting #BlackLivesMatter and signs like this pic.twitter.com/l4a3f8kpkX
— 45th ןǝןןɐɹɐd ʇsıpɹnsqɐ ǝpɐbıɹq (@45thabsurdist) August 22, 2020
On the west side of Third Avenue, people are holding up these banners reading”
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 22, 2020
“ABOLISH THE POLICE”
and
“TOGETHER ANTS CAN OVERCOME AND KILL THE OX / THE ONLY KEY IS KNOWING HOW TO BREAK THE LOCKS”
(video captured w/consent) pic.twitter.com/WzmdMd09FP
Guy with rifle and III% patch standing with the pro police/pro Trump group. pic.twitter.com/0XR5RSWEaK
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) August 22, 2020
A scuffle, then a far right protester maces someone right in the face pic.twitter.com/pXSx7KReRm
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 22, 2020
Fed riot cops partying behind Schrunk pic.twitter.com/Bl1ieMixXJ
— Jake “✊️???????✊️” Johnson (@FancyJenkins) August 22, 2020
Demetria Hester on the megaphone:
Demetria and Drum Bloc keep a steady beat going as the standoff continues. pic.twitter.com/RFkFp6S3M6
— Robert Evans (The Only Robert Evans) (@IwriteOK) August 22, 2020
#bannerbloc going strong! pic.twitter.com/fMwsRnfFoX
— PopMob (Popular Mobilization) (@PopMobPDX) August 22, 2020
Someone was hit, maybe with a smoke grenade:
Man who got explosive on arm is being carried away. It looks bad.
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 22, 2020
Alan Swinney firing paint balls. pic.twitter.com/3gmf9jqZ59
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) August 22, 2020
PPB says they’ve seen “people with weapons” and said to not engage. Threatened crowd control. They remind folks “their main goal is to protect life and safety and protection of everyone’s first amendment right” “all groups should practice self (mumble) and stay peaceful”
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 22, 2020
CW for injury/blood. They’ve been clearly going after press today:
Press injured by blue lives matter pushing and smashing their hands. pic.twitter.com/uGXWPngOV8
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 22, 2020
While I am filming a right wing activist charges out and assaults me, breaking my finger with an asp baton. Sergio has more footage of the confrontation that follows pic.twitter.com/gPdPsQ70b5
— Robert Evans (The Only Robert Evans) (@IwriteOK) August 22, 2020
The person with the “God Bless America” shield assaulted journalist Robert Evans @IwriteOK and cut his hand. As Robert talks about the incident he continues to be assaulted. pic.twitter.com/3cOSQxrrXR
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) August 22, 2020
The air quality on SW Third Avenue stings your skin and makes it hard to see or breathe. A taser somewhere keeps clicking and groups of Black Lives Matter protesters exit the area coughing and covering their eyes.
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 22, 2020
Protesters on the eastern side of Third Avenue chant “USA!” pic.twitter.com/3eOO2szKOr
Blue lives matter pushed and attacked.
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 22, 2020
GRAPHIC VIOLENCE WARNING pic.twitter.com/vI5660M8zE
The right wing group of pro police/pro Trump/Proud Boy/Qanon people charge towards and assault the Antifascists. The Right Wingers throw an explosive device (not firework), sprays tons of mace, and fires their paintball/airsoft guns. Many physical brawls. pic.twitter.com/14nSAJyly2
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) August 22, 2020
Amidst lots of mace, the right wing group mostly falls back. Some members remain and damage the BLM snack van and assault people. pic.twitter.com/qdBPUYUpUf
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) August 22, 2020
Alan swinney pulls a gun on the crowd. No shots fired. pic.twitter.com/f0jKX6nmNv
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) August 22, 2020
Two opposing shield walls are now facing off. pic.twitter.com/AtEyVja6av
— Robert Evans (The Only Robert Evans) (@IwriteOK) August 22, 2020
The right wing groups pulls back a little more. Some of members are leaving the main area and hanging out beside the JC. pic.twitter.com/igSM5xQgVX
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) August 22, 2020
Right wing political figure Tusitala “Tiny” Toese present today. He is standing behind the right wing shield line leading chants. #PortlandProtests#PDXprotests #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/eA3DrPLIq3
— Portland Independent Documentarians (@PDocumentarians) August 22, 2020
Cops and Proud Boys having a friendly chat off to the side pic.twitter.com/RvjUo73wA7
— Donovan “It was the blurst of times” Farley ?? (@DonovanFarley) August 22, 2020
Multiple men with AR-15s have just arrived in support of the blue lives rally. The look to be loaded. #PortlandProtests#PDXprotests #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/ewFJrIwEKl
— Portland Independent Documentarians (@PDocumentarians) August 22, 2020
Multiple men with AR-15s have just arrived in support of the blue lives rally. The look to be loaded. #PortlandProtests#PDXprotests #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/ewFJrIwEKl
— Portland Independent Documentarians (@PDocumentarians) August 22, 2020
The pro cop rally has now congregates on the south side of the block to increase their density as they loose numbers
— 45th ןǝןןɐɹɐd ʇsıpɹnsqɐ ǝpɐbıɹq (@45thabsurdist) August 22, 2020
Blue people got pushed south from the front of the Justice center a mace battle ensued pic.twitter.com/L98pUzoV5x
— Jake “✊️???????✊️” Johnson (@FancyJenkins) August 22, 2020
CW for assault:
Blue lives continually beat protestor
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 22, 2020
CW pic.twitter.com/JlygjwOt03
Portland Black Lives Matter successfully pushes blue lives protestors out of the streets. Drums and fireworks and celebratory yells fill the streets pic.twitter.com/WHyJlUbc0D
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 22, 2020
DHS protecting the fascists. pic.twitter.com/QdY8mpSYgH
— Juan C. Chavez (@inafutureage) August 22, 2020
They flee back to the IRS building for cover. But federal agents seem unwilling to provide it. Denied the protection of the cops, the right wing shieldwall breaks up entirely and flees in separate directions. pic.twitter.com/RImK1I9tb7
— Robert Evans (The Only Robert Evans) (@IwriteOK) August 22, 2020
Car leaving downtown Portland parking garage during protest pic.twitter.com/cTFioCXwlh
— Zane Sparling (@PDXzane) August 22, 2020
Tiny Toese just walked past Portland police, they did not arrest him.
— Zane Sparling (@PDXzane) August 22, 2020
Officer grabbed me by shirt and shoved pic.twitter.com/FJgCTtd1yH
Meanwhile BLM protestors pick up garbage from the streets and park pic.twitter.com/AEyZdDHPL1
— 45th ןǝןןɐɹɐd ʇsıpɹnsqɐ ǝpɐbıɹq (@45thabsurdist) August 22, 2020
Some demonstrators remain at Schrunk Plaza:
Back at the park and this is a weird scene. pic.twitter.com/sMF8wldFGY
— Donovan “It was the blurst of times” Farley ?? (@DonovanFarley) August 22, 2020
More dhs arrive at park. pic.twitter.com/P8vsUGXSeg
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 22, 2020
The feds declare an unlawful assembly a little before 3 PM:
More dhs arrive at park. pic.twitter.com/P8vsUGXSeg
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 22, 2020
An unlawful assembly has been declared at Chapman Plaza by Feds, Portland police are announcing pic.twitter.com/yyyQ50AIsh
— Zane Sparling (@PDXzane) August 22, 2020
I just wanted to point out the announcement is coming from PPB for FPS.
— Cory Elia (@TheRealCoryElia) August 22, 2020
Feds just knocked dancing hippie over pic.twitter.com/kGt0s7azyn
— Donovan “It was the blurst of times” Farley ?? (@DonovanFarley) August 22, 2020
Clearing the park pic.twitter.com/RkvAaxAHmV
— 45th ןǝןןɐɹɐd ʇsıpɹnsqɐ ǝpɐbıɹq (@45thabsurdist) August 22, 2020
DHS are escorting two of the right wing demonstrators right past the front line of BLM and Antifascist activists. pic.twitter.com/G0BoFIbwWr
— Garrison Davis (Teargas Proof) (@hungrybowtie) August 22, 2020
Trump’s Army shoots into the crowd, then retreats into their building
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 22, 2020
#blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #Oregon #BLM #acab #PortlandProtests #PDXprotests #PortlandStrong #WallofMoms #WallOfDads #WallofVets #PortlandKidnappings #PortlandMoms #Teargas #DefendPDX pic.twitter.com/QgtHSTpx0g
Feds are masking up inside Wyatt building after being pushed back inside in Portland
— Zane Sparling (@PDXzane) August 22, 2020
Another door barred with baton pic.twitter.com/lV0CyRJgIf
Here we see the crowd, shields at the front, advancing and slowly backing the Feds into their building. I kind of expected them to start shooting this entire time. pic.twitter.com/1Bwbcqf9Ab
— Robert Evans (The Only Robert Evans) (@IwriteOK) August 22, 2020
The protest appears to have wrapped up at this point.
Normandale Park march
People are starting to gather now at Normandale Park in NE Portland. Shout-out to the reporters who covered the earlier event and are out again tonight (scroll down to find out how you can support them).
I’m at Normandale Park in Northeast Portland covering tonight’s Direct Action March calling for police and prison abolition.
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 23, 2020
About ~100 people are gathered in the park, including Jonathan Luczycki, a plein air painter who has been painting protest scenes for the last 4 weeks. pic.twitter.com/V0Q1gbaq5J
People are standing and preparing to walk across the park. A Black speaker addresses the crowd:
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 23, 2020
“I know today was a rough day for everyone, but a good reminder that we need to protect each other and protect the spaces that we exist in.” (1/2)
“We are not out here for nothing. Please don’t be surprised – I saw a lot of people on Twitter today surprised that the cops are not protecting us. Are we fucking surprised? No! Are we fucking tired of this bullshit? Yes! What are we going to do tonight? We keep each other safe.”
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 23, 2020
Portland is amazing. Even after today’s madness there are probably 150 people here.
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 23, 2020
Chanting: Black Lives Matter
Chanting: Out Of Your Houses, Into The Streets
The march paused briefly to decide which way to go after a report that riot cops were staged along the route.
The crowd pauses to allow leaders to decide where to go next.
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 23, 2020
“I’m asking for everybody’s patience for a hot second. Until then, let your neighbors know why you’re here!”
The crowd erupts in chants of “Black lives matter!”
In any neighborhood I’ve covered a march, it seems many neighbors are still happy to see protesters coming through. Usually less happy later with the LRAD.
— Molly Harbarger (@MollyHarbarger) August 23, 2020
On the move again. A couple stands on their deck and applauds the march as it goes past
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 23, 2020
Sure enough, cops await across the I-84 overpass on 53rd pic.twitter.com/VDdjTUkwLt
“There is no better example of cops and Klan going hand and hand than today.”
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 23, 2020
The speaker tells any listening neighbors not to worry:
“This is not the Portland Police Bureau. Your streets are safe. We will not shoot you.”
The Black activist on the megaphone, who redirected the protest away from the waiting cops, takes a moment to remind the crowd to stay tight and take care of each other. Leave no one behind
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 23, 2020
I really like the energy tonight
Police are now stationed in Providence parking lot, but marchers are planning to just go for it. Calling for shields to the front of the group.
— Molly Harbarger (@MollyHarbarger) August 23, 2020
A strong shield wall pic.twitter.com/tAh8i8DMTR
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 23, 2020
Cops approaching from other end of 47th overpass. “Why are we not allowed to pass Portland police? Can I get DJ LRAD to tell me why we cannot pass?” pic.twitter.com/SU1abmfWKz
— Molly Harbarger (@MollyHarbarger) August 23, 2020
DJ LRAD claims they’ve seen criminal activity, specifically throwing projectiles
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 23, 2020
This simply has not happened. There has been nothing but marching tonight. There have been no confrontations
They announce that the overpass is closed and encourage protesters to leave
“Take off your riot gear!”
Here’s the standoff pic.twitter.com/YZ3DAxnIpw
— Molly Harbarger (@MollyHarbarger) August 23, 2020
Sometimes when the police act like this it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you’re gonna be accused of criminal activity might as well do it, right?
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 23, 2020
Not tonight. Solid shield wall. Unyielding. Unreactive
Tunes from that brave protester who got beaten to fuck a couple nights ago pic.twitter.com/9EUsoVNnp6
Portland police have repeated the same announcement five times, but neither side has moved.
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 23, 2020
Police vehicles with their lights on approach down 47th. Once again, an officer holds aloft a small black camera attached to a pole facing protesters. pic.twitter.com/0cbCdXH1PG
Protesters still backing away. Completely off overpass as Wall of Vets stands in front of retreat. pic.twitter.com/hSp69C2Ugw
— Molly Harbarger (@MollyHarbarger) August 23, 2020
After a few silent minutes, protesters turn and begin walking east, the direction Portland police directed them to — but several blocks ahead, another wall of police in riot gear awaits. pic.twitter.com/XE4xgjsFWM
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 23, 2020
The protest has become water again
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 23, 2020
Another police line waits a few blocks behind them. This is definitely not a first amendment violation at all
They turn back into the neighborhoods pic.twitter.com/BWP2HWizv2
The protesters seem to have decided to redirect to go around the continuing police efforts to block the march, so while we’re waiting on an update on that, here’s what’s happening at the presumed destination.
Some protesters have headed directly to the Penumbra Kelly building (East Multnomah County Sheriffs Office / SE Precinct):
A small crowd is gathered in front of the Penumbra Kelly building. A larger crowd is still marching enroute, but has been intercepted by Portland Police officers. #PortlandProtests #PDXProtests #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/80S35Uv1GY
— Portland Independent Documentarians (@PDocumentarians) August 23, 2020
Police returned to the precinct from looking for the protesters to find that they were waiting for them. #PortlandProtest pic.twitter.com/LHDb09jzVa
— Shane Burley (@shane_burley1) August 23, 2020
Sounds like the march turned into a carpool, which is a clever way to go around:
OK, so protesters marched back to park and decided to just drive to Penumbra Kelly Building. When I got here, there were already about 100 people, with a Wall of Moms line at the front instead of shields. pic.twitter.com/rpuNNi3qal
— Molly Harbarger (@MollyHarbarger) August 23, 2020
As soon as I get out of my car I hear DJ LRAD announcing that Kelly Penumbra MSCO building is closed
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 23, 2020
That’s right. The protest fucking drove here. Block the bridges all you want, life finds a way
The protest is almost exactly as large as it was in the park
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 23, 2020
DJ LRAD calling out people by outfit and telling them to stop trespassing
I see a lot of cop lights but no cops. My guess is they don’t have a lot of cops here. My guess is they’re still blocking bridges
The LRAD is telling people to stay off the property. A few people have stolen the cones that block off the driveway where cop cars are stationed. pic.twitter.com/DgmK7at91L
— Molly Harbarger (@MollyHarbarger) August 23, 2020
This is being displayed while a popular protest song by The Coup plays:
WE’VE GOT THE GUILLOTINE, YOU’D BETTER RUN
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 23, 2020
#blacklivesmatter #protest #pdx #Oregon #BLM #acab #PortlandProtests #PDXprotests #PortlandStrong #WallofMoms #WallOfDads #WallofVets #PortlandKidnappings #PortlandMoms #Teargas #DefendPDX pic.twitter.com/MCNOPwoWKi
Protesters have placed the guillotine on the police property, so police threaten impact munitions. #PortlandProtest pic.twitter.com/ZxRDkqlp18
— Shane Burley (@shane_burley1) August 23, 2020
The police are shining bright lights at protesters and so they are flashing reflectors back. pic.twitter.com/HieJJmkAFR
— Shane Burley (@shane_burley1) August 23, 2020
“No cops, no KKK, no racist USA” chants with drum corps backing ? pic.twitter.com/s2bjQY8Am3
— Jake “✊️???????✊️” Johnson (@FancyJenkins) August 23, 2020
Guillotine is on Fire now #portlandprotests pic.twitter.com/gLBrMGZuKx
— Peter (@gravemorgan) August 23, 2020
We have another LRAD warning about throwing projectiles
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 23, 2020
I do see about 4 water bottles on the ground about 50 feet from the cop cars so this might be technically correct
DJ LRAD advises everyone to leave for their own safety pic.twitter.com/AELs7Ors56
We do now have a protester firing paintball rounds onto the property
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 23, 2020
11:40 PM – unlawful assembly declared:
Portland police call unlawful assembly “because people were shooting paintballs and throwing projectiles,” LRAD says.
— Molly Harbarger (@MollyHarbarger) August 23, 2020
DJ LRAD tells everyone to leave to the West and honestly I’m wondering if they have the numbers or the energy to make that happen
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 23, 2020
Guess we’ll find out
Most people hanging around but front shield line moved back a little bit. pic.twitter.com/kl19MZ9Hoq
— Molly Harbarger (@MollyHarbarger) August 23, 2020
The dispersal push (possibly smoke being used):
Police disperse protesters, pushing them physically out of the area pic.twitter.com/cQklcNospA
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) August 23, 2020
Police move into crowds and physical push them, continuing dispersal pic.twitter.com/urhNouVUxI
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) August 23, 2020
Portland Police riot officers pulled one individual from the sidewalk and briefly detained them, before letting them leave. One officer put his boot on the detainee’s mouth as they were saying their name. #PortlandProtests #PDXProtests #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/kVrGD2cBq2
— Portland Independent Documentarians (@PDocumentarians) August 23, 2020
Portland police release gas into the air and bull rush protesters west down Burnside and into the surrounding neighborhood.
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 23, 2020
This officer uses a baton to repeatedly shove a protester standing on the sidewalk, and is promptly joined by fellow officers: pic.twitter.com/5hyQVR2bij
#31 loses his fucking mind, part 1: pic.twitter.com/KHcI7I90Xc
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 23, 2020
A neighborhood resident stands on their porch and shouts down at Portland police: “Get out of our neighborhood!” pic.twitter.com/1y4kJgJf77
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 23, 2020
Through a tactical error during dispersal operations, a small group of Portland Police Officers ended up in front of crowds. #PortlandProtests #PDXProtests #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/B5A3LYqV4r
— Portland Independent Documentarians (@PDocumentarians) August 23, 2020
This is a long video for Twitter but it’s a very short time to be told to move ahead rapidly and them be told to get the fuck back pic.twitter.com/sPys50OoHA
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 23, 2020
“We’ll use force on you if you don’t get out of here, everyone holding each other that’s unlawful” pic.twitter.com/0JOqnVTXL3
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) August 23, 2020
Ordered to move in the opposite direction everyone had been ordered to move mere moments before. The resulting confusion led to a wall of bodies and a lot of fun opportunities to brutalize protesters in the dark pic.twitter.com/LR5rFTw2Cb
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 23, 2020
A lot of confusion from police on whether to bypass press or shove them a lot and yell at them. Got both treatments tonight.
— Molly Harbarger (@MollyHarbarger) August 23, 2020
As we were getting marched up the sidewalk, the group I was in got stalled behind the officers marching in front of us. From behind, an officer starts shoving us hard in the back and into the people in front of us, demanding we walk faster, but there was no room for us to move.
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 23, 2020
Then an officer throws out an arm and blocks us from passing. “Thirty feet! Press stays thirty feet behind us!”
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 23, 2020
As he walks ahead, the same officer who shoved us comes back and pushes us forward again, yelling for us to move.
Protesters regroup:
I have more footage but back in the present, the protest has returned to the MSCO and DJ LRAD is reminding everyone this is still a riot
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 23, 2020
Really doesn’t feel like a riot
Tear gas threats
Respirator time
During the last push, DJ LRAD fumbles their words while informing the crowd it was a riot. DJ LRAD just reminded us it was a riot and that the crowd needs to disperse to the west. pic.twitter.com/C5P5nbe7jh
— Jake “✊️???????✊️” Johnson (@FancyJenkins) August 23, 2020
Brent here is also known as officer #12, frequently identified at the lead of the violence coming from the riot cops:
Happening now-ish: cops make an arrest, Brent shoots someone for touching a smoke cannister pic.twitter.com/5VkL2OWHqL
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 23, 2020
Still happening now-ish: they pile on their vans and leave. This could mean anything. Maybe they’ll come back immediately. Maybe they’re gone
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 23, 2020
A lot of people have gotten fucked up tonight. Lotta mace. Lots of people knocked down pic.twitter.com/1EISX1m01R
Police toss a tear gas canister from the van on their way out, not sure if it was CS but it caused coughing and burning pic.twitter.com/MsmuVyviuu
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) August 23, 2020
“We’re going to keep antagonizing them until they can’t take it any more”
Sound on for a great speech pic.twitter.com/tCHTGvsou3
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 23, 2020
A Black protester stands before the flames, fist raised in the air, and leads the crowd in chanting “Black lives matter!”
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 23, 2020
(Footage taken w/consent.) pic.twitter.com/oTa4uXSxXj
Headed out for the night, most of the crowd dispersing, as we’re leaving two cars aggressively Rev towards protesters and then back out and peel out. Tough guys ? #portlandprotests pic.twitter.com/eO6mywHLLL
— Peter (@gravemorgan) August 23, 2020
For the last hour, about ~30 people have lingered outside the MCSO building. Aside from the arrest captured by @PDocumentarians, things have stayed calm.
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 23, 2020
Signing off with this photo of artwork by Jonathan Luczycki (@_Night_Painter / IG: thenightpainter). Night! ✌? pic.twitter.com/2l5iSKgHCn
Media
Present
- Cata Gaitán – Venmo: @catalina-gaitan
- Cory Elia (KBOO) – CashApp $CoryElia / paypal.me/CoryElia / Venmo @ Cory-Elia
- Donovan Farley – CashApp: $DonovanFarley1 / PayPal: DonovanFarley / Venmo: Donovan-Farley
- Eder Campuzano (The Oregonian)
- Garrison Davis – CashApp $hungrybowtie / paypal.me/garrisondavispdx
- Griffin Malone – CashApp $griffinmalone
- Jake Johnson @FancyJenkins – CashApp: $bucksarecool / Venmo: jakefartstoo / http://Paypal.me/fancyjenkins
- Justin Yau @PDocumentarians – CashApp: $portlandindepend / PayPal: https://paypal.me/portlandindepend
- Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) – CashApp/Venmo: misanthrophile
- Leslie McL (KBOO) – CashApp: $LuhCreative / PayPal: http://PayPal.me/LuhCreative / Venmo: @Human42LM
- Molly Harbanger (The Oregonian)
- Robert Evans
- Suzette Smith
Articles
It’s Going Down
Hundreds of Portlanders Push Out Violent Far-Right, Qanon & Proud Boy Rally
OPB
Protesters fight using pepper spray, baseball bats in Portland on Saturday
The Oregonian
- Kendra James’ mother to attend March on Washington, 17 years after daughter was killed by Portland police
- After feds recede, Portland protesters confront police across city
- Opposing rallies battle with mace, paint balls and rocks near Justice Center in downtown Portland
- Dueling demonstrators clash, sometimes violently, in downtown Portland as police issued repeated warnings
Portland Mercury
Portland Police Stand By As Armed Alt-Right Protesters and Antifascists Brawl
Portland Tribune
Street brawls break out at dueling Portland protests
The Washington Post
Willamette Week
- Right-Wingers and Anti-Fascists Brawl Downtown as Police Stand By
- Although Infamous Street Brawler Tusitala “Tiny” Toese Is a Wanted Man, He Was Front and Center Today
Police
Agencies present
- Portland Police Bureau
- Feds: DHS
Munitions used
- Pepper balls (feds)
- Smoke (PPB)
- Flash bangs (PPB)
- Pepper spray (PPB)
- Pepper balls or other impact munitions (PPB)
- Tear gas (possibly OC) (PPB)
Number of arrests
Charges
- Assaulting a Public Safety Officer
- Interfering with a Peace Officer
- Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree
- Resisting Arrest
- Riot
- Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree