Summary
Protesters began the nightly demonstration at Laurelhurst Park in Southeast Portland. Journalists on the ground estimated the crowd to number around 100 – 150 people. From the park, the group marched to the nearby Multnomah County Sheriff’s Penumbra Kelly Building. Almost immediately upon arriving, law enforcement officers were already making announcements telling protesters to stay off the building property and to refrain from committing crimes. While most protesters had their attention on the Penumbra Kelly Building, down the block Portland Police officers blocked civilians and bicyclists alike from passing through the area east of the protests. Behind the line of officers, cars parked on the street were being towed away.
At 10:40 pm, about an hour after protesters arrived, police loudspeakers declared the gathering an unlawful assembly. Up to that point the crowd had been engaging in chanting and some eggs had been thrown onto the building driveway. Soon after, officers from the Portland Police Bureau and Oregon State Troopers emerged from the Penumbra Kelly Building and began making mass arrests. Officers were captured on video using excessive force on protesters who were already incapacitated during arrest. They were also captured multiple times on multiple videos pointing out protesters standing on the sidewalk, saying that they were not marked as press, and then arresting them where they stood. This action was repeated multiple times throughout the night until the crowd had significantly thinned out by 1:30 am and the night ended.
Scheduled Events
- Community Direct Action – Noon
- Portland United for Justice and Equality at Pioneer Square – 6 pm
- Direct Action March – 8 pm
Timeline
Protesters gathered at Laurelhurst Park in Southeast Portland for the nightly demonstration.
I’m at Laurelhurst Park in Southeast Portland covering tonight’s Direct Action march calling for police abolition.
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 31, 2020
About ~100 people are scattered throughout the park, some having individual dance parties like this one: pic.twitter.com/ToxADXcqcj
The mood in the park is pretty light (when I arrived, a group was dancing along as a DJ played the 2000 hit “Cha Cha Slide”).
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 31, 2020
Booths and tables are set up offering free literature, food, drinks, medical supplies and protective gear. Most people are sitting in groups chatting.
Here at the park, roughly 150 here scattered as we get ready to march. A spread of zines is set up providing attendees with some literature on a variety of topics pic.twitter.com/yvtyRwwCeI
— Daddy M (@R3volutionDaddy) August 31, 2020
Volunteers are walking through the park offering out free hand wipes, ear plugs and water.
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 31, 2020
One group is carrying this banner with a quote from civil rights leader Fred Hampton, reading: “PEACE TO YOU… IF YOU’RE WILLING TO FIGHT FOR IT.” pic.twitter.com/MUFm5N0R1U
Just before 9:30 pm, protesters departed from Laurelhurst Park.
Portland is marching. On our way to MCSO. pic.twitter.com/Kvqd5CiUNi
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 31, 2020
Maybe a small crowd relative to some nights but we got aclu, drummers, bike support, cars following, and a unified group. Feels strong.
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 31, 2020
The crowd feels softer than usual. The chants are consistent but are they audible on the next street over? A resident on their porch raises their fist in the shadow of a porch light and the crowd raises their fists in response. pic.twitter.com/hiC5nm40kU
— Suzette Smith (@suzettesmith) August 31, 2020
Crowd was chanting “Black lives matter!” and some neighborhood residents came out onto their porches to join in. Protesters switched to chanting “Out of your homes and into the streets!”
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 31, 2020
“When Black lives are under attack, what do we do?”
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 31, 2020
“Stand up, fight back!” pic.twitter.com/0j6O6sgxnc
Just after 9:40 pm, protesters arrived at the Penumbra Kelly Building (which houses the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office) and were immediately met with announcements by law enforcement coming over the loudspeakers.
We have arrived at MSCO. lrad tells group to not enter property and threatens tear gas.
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 31, 2020
Lrad tells people on property to immediately leave, but no one is on their property.
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 31, 2020
Within seconds of arriving on the block of the Penumbra building on E. Burnside, Portland police come on the LRAD threatening the use of tear gas and impact weapons. Multiple police vehicles are parked facing protesters with their brights on. pic.twitter.com/1PfKyLOTrC
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 31, 2020
Crowd chants: “No good cops in a racist system!”
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 31, 2020
Really keeping their distance from the MSCO tonight. Absolutely nothing thrown that I’ve seen
Nonetheless, DJ LRAD repeats his announcement pic.twitter.com/HRbvv9D6bg
Lrad tells crowd they have to move to sidewalks and that Burnside is open to vehicular traffic. No one moves.
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 31, 2020
He’s repeating the message about every 30 seconds
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 31, 2020
This shows all the signs of getting as ugly as I expected/feared. Probably mask time
The LRAD announces that E Burnside remains open to vehicular traffic. Someone in the crowd yells, “Why? Wouldn’t they shut the road for Proud Boys?”
— Suzette Smith (@suzettesmith) August 31, 2020
Parody LRAD. pic.twitter.com/TN0YoVhrYZ
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 31, 2020
“Your face is an impact munition!!”
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 31, 2020
Protestors shielding and reflecting light. pic.twitter.com/QlkWbgjIVa
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 31, 2020
Portland police have formed a line blocking Burnside one block east of the Penumbra building. Behind the officers is a white van surrounded by officers and several other police vehicles, some with their lights flashing.
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 31, 2020
Protesters chant “who do you protect? Who do you serve?” pic.twitter.com/gDkLXjArQe
Spotlight moving over the crowd
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 31, 2020
Ok, I just saw an egg thrown It splatters maybe 50 feet from the police cars
Your reminder that eggs are 100% biodegradable and wash away in the rain
Projectile warning repeated
I believe the network is ABC it looks like. Cameras getting pushed out and their producer is arguing with protestors.
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 31, 2020
A disturbing look at the street violence Portland Police has to deal with every night#PortlandProtests #PortlandRiots #pdxprotest #BlackLivesMatter #PoliceReform #Police #DefendPDX pic.twitter.com/5pipt972yX
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 31, 2020
Two neighborhood residents come out onto their front lawn and tell PPB officers to leave. An officer demands they go back inside. The resident responds:
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 31, 2020
“Fuck off! We can be on our front yards, you sons of bitches! Knock it off. You tear gassed us awake!” pic.twitter.com/9bGyVaCfVp
One of the residents is holding up a large sign reading “DISRUPTING PROTESTERS WITH VIOLENCE IS UNLAWFUL”
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 31, 2020
Portland police block two bicyclists from passing by them on Burnside (despite the street being open to vehicular traffic, according to PPB).
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 31, 2020
“That’s a vehicle! Let them through!” a protester shouts.
“Can you please stop shining the light in my face?” one bicyclist asks. pic.twitter.com/k4ooyGEvfM
Deputies of the MCSO are currently a block away from the protest area towing cars. Witnesses tell me they have been slashing tires. #PortlandProtests #pdxprotest #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/9dO2znEQeW
— Portland Independent Documentarians (@PDocumentarians) August 31, 2020
“No Borders! No Nations! Abolish Deportation!”
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 31, 2020
The chant moves seamlessly into the recitation of the names. George Floyd. Brionna Taylor. Patrick Kimmons. TeTe Gully. Jacob Blake. Sandra Bland
A person walking on the sidewalk tries to pass and is blocked. They give an officer their address and point to where they‘re walking but are told to turn around: “Police action is taking place behind us. We’re towing vehicles.”
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 31, 2020
The officer then tells me to stand behind a pole. pic.twitter.com/nOMLJHQTT3
A few of the crowd from the Penumbra building are moving towards 50th where #police are towing vehicles and telling everyone to stay off the street and on the sidewalk.
— Lesley McL (@Human42LM) August 31, 2020
The majority are still chanting at the officers surrounding the building.
Crowd has already dwindled. Riot cops stationed on 52nd, two blocks east. 20-40 are in front of driveway
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 31, 2020
Another 100 scattered around street.
At about 10:40 pm, law enforcement officers declared the gathering an unlawful assembly.
Unlawful assembly declared.
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 31, 2020
Portland Police has just declared the gathering as an illegal assembly. Crowds are ordered to disperse to the West. #PortlandProtests #pdxprotest #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/l8l2JhpKfA
— Portland Independent Documentarians (@PDocumentarians) August 31, 2020
“due to criminal activity of blocking the street and throwing objects (eggs)… You will be subject to tear gas”
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 31, 2020
Blocking street = tear gas
Won’t ever get over the unjust force.
At about 10:50 pm, Portland Police suddenly rushed at protesters and began making mass arrests.
OSP Troopers and PPB officers rushed out to disperse crowds, using impact munitions & pepperballs. They made a series of arrests. #PortlandProtests #pdxprotest #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/cm0pfG1mmy
— Portland Independent Documentarians (@PDocumentarians) August 31, 2020
They are arresting EVERYONE that’s not press. Cornering people, shining lights, finding people and arresting.
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 31, 2020
Portland police appear and start running down Burnside and arresting protestors: pic.twitter.com/mL6QuHUzI6
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 31, 2020
Police arrest someone and punch him in the face
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 31, 2020
Multiple times pic.twitter.com/pFcuBAk657
Officers walked out of the Kelly Building and protesters withdrew west. But the officers still arrested and punched this protester as they arrested him. pic.twitter.com/oVcpY94OZv
— Suzette Smith (@suzettesmith) August 31, 2020
Portland police tackle two people who were standing on the sidewalk onto the street and arrest them: pic.twitter.com/JtSAwFBFVO
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 31, 2020
Arrests are being made
— Lesley McL (@Human42LM) August 31, 2020
National anthem is playing pic.twitter.com/uCiCwcsBUQ
Another arrest of a protester standing on the sidewalk with a shield. Signaled out from across the street
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 31, 2020
“You! You’re going to jail. Not press” pic.twitter.com/7lwBPbLW94
After telling protestors to remain on sidewalk PPB comes out and arrests anyone on the sidewalk that isn’t media.
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 31, 2020
They will not be charged because their only crime is standing there so this is solely bullying and a scare tactic. pic.twitter.com/8MYhMiICcx
An officer declares “half this group isn’t press!” and then proceeds to arrest every person not clearly identified as press. pic.twitter.com/wx6QsEZqV1
— Suzette Smith (@suzettesmith) August 31, 2020
Shooting close range at press and shoving nlg. pic.twitter.com/hKmMYX2eZI
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 31, 2020
Just before 10:15 pm, officers reentered the Penumbra Kelly Building.
After a batch of arrests, Portland police disappeared back into the Penumbra building. PDX Protests Sounds is playing “Rise Up” by Andra Day. (They replaced the sound system that was confiscated by police at an earlier demonstration as it was playing the national anthem.)
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 31, 2020
Officers stood at the intersection while other officers made arrests. They they all withdrew with all their arestees, shooting munitions (probably pepper bullets?) and a new non-CS smoke (smelled like baby powder!). pic.twitter.com/dw2bSts60u
— Suzette Smith (@suzettesmith) August 31, 2020
Currently the protest is standing in the intersection of 17th and Burnside. Cops circling. Trying to figure out which way they’re coming
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 31, 2020
Someone is playing Les Miz and I don’t hate it
“Make a hole!” Protesters move out of the way and a bus easily navigates the “blocked” street pic.twitter.com/oHaiiyqQQk
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 31, 2020
As a #20 TriMet bus drives past protesters on Burnside, one person shouts up toward officers: “You should be a bus driver! I actually respect them!”
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 31, 2020
DJ lrad remix pic.twitter.com/KWnVNfdMF2
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 31, 2020
Law enforcement loudspeakers (LRAD) suddenly returned and made an announcement to protesters.
DJ LRAD makes an abrupt return. Reminds everyone that this is an unlawful assembly due to “criminal activity” like blocking the street. The usual threat of tear gas
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 31, 2020
Sigh
We’re probably about to get pushed
Reminder it’s unlawful assembly. Telling group to go on sidewalk.
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 31, 2020
WAP is playing.
Crowd is quiet and peaceful. Music and talking. Riot cops approaching.
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 31, 2020
Just after 11:55 pm, officers returned and once again began making arrests.
Officers return and RUIN “Stupid Horse,” which is a song about capitalism. pic.twitter.com/9A6Y7XCymG
— Suzette Smith (@suzettesmith) August 31, 2020
Police start kettling and arresting protesters in the Wajan parking lot while a protester next to me asks some very good questions about what the fuck is going on pic.twitter.com/GYQf792TeL
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 31, 2020
Riot cops push and conduct multiple arrests again. I don’t have any good footage. Same shit as last time. Grabbing everyone they can
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 31, 2020
They push to 45th, pause, then retreat
Protesters advance back up the street “Stay together, stay right! We do this every night!”
Shoving @econbrkfst and then taunting them, then yelling at them for “protesting.” telling them to get back while shoving them into a planter already past the sidewalk. pic.twitter.com/mXf8ZyUwkm
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 31, 2020
At about 12:05 am, officers departed from the area.
As officers leave, #protesters cheer.
— Lesley McL (@Human42LM) August 31, 2020
Chants resume and protesters move back towards 47th avenue.#BLMprotest #PortlandOR #PDX #PortlandOregon #PoliceReform pic.twitter.com/ZnZbAQPOmK
Back at 47th and Burnside
— Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) (@1misanthrophile) August 31, 2020
Loud chant: “No Justice, No Peace!”
I don’t know how many people have been arrested tonight but it is a LOT
A real deal Black community leader, John, pulled up and stopped to chant in the intersection.
— Defund PPB ?? (@MacSmiff) August 31, 2020
Before I started recording, he gave me a big hug and said he was just coming from his friend’s house and had to stop.
He a natural and the crowd loved him. pic.twitter.com/Z51oXQsOs5
Crowd started chanting “Whose streets? Our streets!”
— Cata Gaitán (@catalinagaitan_) August 31, 2020
This eventually became “Whose streets? Stolen land!”
That eventually became “Whose streets? Chinook streets!”
The protest is dying down. The bongos just left.
— Suzette Smith (@suzettesmith) August 31, 2020
The protest crowd has thinned somewhat.
— Lesley McL (@Human42LM) August 31, 2020
The #LRAD is visible above the wall of the precinct parking lot upper level; it is currently quiet.
Protest sound is currently playing soulful sounds.
Many people are in small groups chatting. pic.twitter.com/BPazoBQ2qw
Portland Police officers threatened a protester with arrest if they kept playing music over their speaker. For context of what Griffin is referring to below, speakers were forcefully taken by Portland Police without justification at a protest in the past.
Hey look they didn’t instantly steal it this time. pic.twitter.com/pu88ASzQOS
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 31, 2020
A few more arrests were made before the end of the night.
Officers just baited this protester and said come take your stuff then arrested them with no warning pic.twitter.com/poQm2i3a74
— Daddy M (@R3volutionDaddy) August 31, 2020
When I left the protest was mostly this: pic.twitter.com/Ydv0Z9zUl4
— Suzette Smith (@suzettesmith) August 31, 2020
Small group still heckling cops (lawfully), all their lights are off and we are out of there! Stay safe and dangerous ?
— Daddy M (@R3volutionDaddy) August 31, 2020
Media
Present
- Alissa @R3volutionDaddy – CashApp: $pdxalissa / Venmo: @R3volutionDaddy
- Cata Gaitán – CashApp: $catalinagaitan / Venmo: @catalina-gaitan
- Griffin Malone – CashApp $griffinmalone
- Justin Yau @PDocumentarians – CashApp: $portlandindepend / PayPal: https://paypal.me/portlandindepend
- Laura Jedeed (Misanthrophile) – CashApp/Venmo: misanthrophile
- Lesley McL (KBOO) – CashApp: $LuhCreative / PayPal: http://PayPal.me/LuhCreative / Venmo: @Human42LM
- Mac Smiff – CashApp: $MacSmiff
- Suzette Smith
Articles
ABC News
After Trump calls him ‘a fool,’ Portland mayor says support us or stay out of the way
BBC News
Portland protests: Trump and Biden clash over street violence
CBS News
Portland mayor says deadly shooting could be a “flashpoint”
CNN
1 person is dead after a shooting during protests in downtown Portland
KGW
Demonstrations planned for Sunday night as nightly protests in Portland enter 14th week
No arrests yet in downtown Portland shooting; mayor tells people seeking retribution to stay home
Oregon governor announces plan to bring violence to an end, protect free speech in Portland
Portland group on mission to save Black neighborhoods
KOIN
Governor Brown releases ‘Unified Law Enforcement Plan’
Investigators want answers in deadly protest shooting; Trump sounds off
Man who recorded shooting video: ‘Couldn’t see who shot’
Patriot Prayer founder: Shooting victim was a supporter
Reporter recalls interaction with victim hours before shooting
Wheeler denounces deadly shooting, violence; mayor, Trump trade blame
NBC News
Trump praises right-wing supporters, rails against protesters after unrest in Portland
OPB
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler blames President Trump for downtown violence
Portland protests return 1 night after fatal downtown shooting
The Oregonian
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown to send state troopers to help police protests after fatal shooting
Photos show frantic but futile attempts to save victim of shooting near Portland protests [WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES]
Portland Mayor to President Donald Trump: ‘support us’ or ‘stay the hell out of the way’
Watch: Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and police chief talk about shooting near protests
Portland Mercury
Wheeler Condemns Protest Shooting, Offers Little Solutions to Continuous Violence
Willamette Week
Gov. Kate Brown Announces Plan to Increase Law Enforcement Presence in Portland
Portland Mayor Blames President Trump for Fatal Shooting Amid Protests
Police
Agencies Present
- Multnomah County Sheriffs
- Portland Police Bureau
- Oregon State Police
Munitions
- pepper balls
- smoke grenades
Arrests
Charges
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Assaulting a Public Safety Officer, Escape in the Third Degree, Resisting Arrest, Interfering with a Peace Officer, Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree, Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree