Protests for August 17

Summary

On the evening of August 17th, protesters met at Kenton City Park in North Portland, where they eventually left from to march to The Portland Police Association (PPA) building. At its peak, the protest numbered around 200 people. When protesters arrived at the PPA there were no officers in sight. The only appearance made by Portland Police (PPB) officers in riot gear happened towards the beginning of the demonstration, when the PPB’s loudspeakers announced that officers were coming in to check damage to the building and pushed protesters away from the building. At least one canister of smoke and some pepper balls were deployed at protesters as PPB departed.

The protest then reportedly took on a relaxed, block party ambience until Letha Winston, mother of Patrick Kimmons, arrived on the scene and chastised protesters for sitting around. In her speech she urged protesters to march through the streets and through residential neighborhoods and make their voices heard. When she eventually left, the crowd was torn between marching and staying firm in front of the PPA. Demetria Hester was also at the demonstration and urged protesters to “stay together, stay tight” (a popular protest chant), when a small group decided to splinter off and march elsewhere. This group eventually came back to the main demonstration.

Joey Gibson, a prominent figure with the local far-right, also made an appearance at the night’s demonstration, but was quickly pushed away by protesters.

Towards the end of the night a small fire was set against the PPA building, setting an awning on fire and leaving scorch marks but leaving no other visible external damage. This prompted a response from multiple fire trucks and PPB, who simply asked protesters to cross to the other side of the street rather than deploying crowd control munitions at the dwindling group. The night ended not long after without further incident.

Scheduled Events

Timeline

During the day, a group of community members gathered by the Portland Police Association building demanding “the immediate cessation of militarized police activity on [their] streets”.

In the evening, protesters met at Kenton City Park in North Portland for the nightly demonstration.

Just after 10:05 pm, protesters arrived at The Portland Police Association (PPA) building.

Joey Gibson, a right wing figure and founder of far-right group Patriot Prayer, made a very brief appearance at the demonstration.

Officers in riot gear made their first appearance of the night around 11:05 pm but retreated again quickly.

Part of the crowd split off, intending to march elsewhere, while the rest of the protesters remained in front of the PPA.

The group of protesters that had split off less than ten minutes prior made their return.

Protesters put up fencing at one of the intersections by the PPA.

Media

Present

Articles

KATU

Emails detail agreement governor, DHS reached over feds withdrawal from Portland

KGW

Demonstrators march to Portland Police Association building as protests in Portland enter 12th week

KOIN

Night 81: Window smashed, flood attempted at police union HQ

OPB

Black Portland reflects on role of white allies in movement

Portland Police investigating protest altercation

The Oregonian

Boat sinks on Willamette River in Portland as ‘Trump Boat Parade’ passes by

Did coronavirus lay the groundwork for nationwide protests against systemic racism?

Portland protesters beat driver unconscious after crashing truck near Black Lives Matter rally

Portland protesters gather for 82nd night of demonstrations Monday near police union headquarters

Portland Mercury

Good Afternoon, News: Ridiculous River Trumpers, the Democrats’ Internet Party, and a National Outcry to Save USPS

“It’s a stain on the movement”: Portland Protest Organizers Condemn Truck Driver Assault

Willamette Week

A Far-Right Protester Fired Two Gunshots at Black Lives Matter Demonstrators Last Weekend

Police

Agencies Present

  • Portland Police Bureau

Munitions

  • Pepper balls
  • Smoke grenade

Arrests

None

Charges

None