Protests for July 31

Posted on by audrey

Summary

Protests continued across Portland, from a car caravan that looped from East Portland to downtown, to a Firefighters in Solidarity with BLM event, to The People Vs. ICE holding a march and rally to talk about its impact on their community and solidarity with other oppressed groups.

Marchers gathered at Waterfront Park before proceeding to the Justice Center, including the Unemployed Workers for Black Lives march which marked the scheduled expiration of CARES act funding on July 31. AZN Bloc and Moms for Black Liberation also rallied together with the workers’ group. At the Justice Center, minimal police presence was seen as protesters gave speeches, chanted, and started small fires in the street. Most activity had wound down by 2 AM.

Scheduled Events

Timeline

The People vs. ICE is a rally and march this afternoon:

The Portland firefighters for BLM are gathering at the park named in their honor at NW 18th & Burnside:

Multiple times a week, car caravan protests offer a COVID-safe option to get out and show support for Black Lives Matter:

Several groups are planning to join protests tonight at the Justice Center, including an unemployed workers’ march, and Asians for Black Liberation. Folks are gathering at Waterfront Park to start this off:

At the Justice Center, speeches are happening on the steps and a support team is handing out safety gear next to the park:

Marchers leave Waterfront Park:

Meanwhile at Revolution Hall:

Downtown, the Justice Center/Federal Courthouse protest has grown to about a thousand people:

“Abolish the police!”

“Do you want to taste freedom, or not? Do you want to taste justice, or not! Justice is not those individuals being put in prison, justice is when we prevent this from ever happening again!”

A little percussion to go with the chants:

It’s still quiet on the law enforcement side of the fence:

Some small fires:

Not much police presence on the street level, but they’re definitely watching:

This is turning into a decent little campfire:

Fires continue to provoke disagreement, but also –

Some reports of Trump supporters who showed up to yell at people (and probably start a fight):

Some of the moms want the fire put out, so that’s the end of it.

On the other side of the block, cops come out and sweep trash away from one of the doors:

The moms left, so now there’s another fire:

New art!

Media

Present

Articles

Associated Press

Oregon hopes for changes from ongoing Portland protests

Courthouse News

The Guardian

US homeland security surveilling journalists covering Portland protests

The Nation

Playing War While Dressed to Kill in Portland

NBC News

‘They have to defend themselves’: U.S. Marshals speak out on violent clashes with Portland protestors

The New York Times

Homeland Security Shuts Down ‘Intelligence’ Reports on Journalists

OPB

The Oregonian

Politico

Portland Mercury

Reuters

Washington Post

Police

Agencies present

  • Federal: unknown, watching from the Federal Courthouse upper levels
  • Portland Police Bureau
  • Oregon State Police

Munitions used

N/A

Number of arrests

PPB: none

Charges

N/A

Protests for July 28

Posted on by audrey

Summary

Tuesday night’s protests downtown started with an Indigenous group gathering to sing and mark a ceremony in the park across from the Federal Courthouse. The Walls of Moms and Vets returned to stand in protection of other protesters, while speeches happened outside the Justice Center. About 1500 people were participating at the night’s peak.

Much of the night was uneventful, with periodic announcements from the Federal Courthouse and sporadic firing of pepper balls. Around 1:30 AM the feds announced an unlawful assembly, ordering people to leave and firing tear gas. There was no further escalation until after 2 AM as several members of the press began to leave, at which point a large group of feds emerged from the courthouse and began marching up the street and clearing the parks. After teargassing the area and pushing protesters toward SW 5th Ave, the feds then retreated. There was minimal activity after this until about 4 AM when a remaining member of the press was suddenly arrested.

Scheduled Events

Timeline

Back at the Federal Courthouse again tonight, let’s have a quick look at the current fence situation:

Meanwhile in the park across the street, a Native group is holding a ceremony:

Hosing off the courthouse entrance while people are gathered outside seems like a good way to make sure everyone gets another dose of last night’s chemical weapons:

Speeches are happening on the steps of the Justice Center:

The moms are in place, facing the Federal Courthouse:

There’s an announcement from the Federal Courthouse LRAD:

Just before 10 PM the feds emerge from the courthouse, where few people are currently gathered. People are reporting that they briefly fired some pepper balls, then returned inside.

Speeches continue, the Native group is singing in front of the Federal Courthouse, and there’s always some chants:

Folks have been commenting that the federal LRAD announcements seem to be on a schedule:

If we confirm that from previous night’s accounts, I’ll add a note here.

There’s a small trash fire next to the fence:

The consensus from the people we’re following seems to be that the vibe is off tonight, lots of random fights and people policing others’ protests:

The bathroom situation down there has not been great, so this is a nice touch:

The wall of moms and vets moves in formation, toward the courthouse:

Another announcement at just about 11:30 PM:

Another look at the crowd, definitely smaller tonight:

A little after midnight there was a scare when the feds came out, but it was short-lived:

About 20 minutes later, a short burst of activity from the feds:

There’s another small trash fire going:

The moms are still here and ready:

Half an hour later, the feds again shoot some pepper balls at the crowd. Not much precedes this aside from the occasional firework:

Periodic announcements to not damage the fence continue:

At about 1:30 AM the feds declare an unlawful assembly:

Protesters are ordered to move away to the west and north:

Then the feds start shooting tear gas:

Protesters pull back from the fence to the opposite side of the street:

A section of the fence was torn at some point:

Around 2 AM, things had thinned out substantially and reporters started talking about wrapping up:

Not long after, the feds marched on the street:

They then use tear gas and riot munitions to clear the streets outside the courthouse and the (city) parks:

Warning: flashing lights on this video

Just before 4 AM, long after the feds had retreated back to the courthouse, a journalist is arrested:

Media

Present

Articles

Associated Press

Source: US, Oregon in talks about pulling agents in Portland

CNN

Trump administration plans to keep federal presence in Portland into October, email shows

East Oregonian

Crowdfunding campaign places Black Lives Matter billboard in Pendleton

The Intercept

Reps. Ocasio-Cortez, Lieu Introduce Amendment to Curtail Federal Crackdown on Protesters

The New York Times

Newsweek

Portland Photojournalist Arrested During Protests Describes Abuse by Federal Agents

OPB

The Oregonian

Portland Mercury

Pro Publica

“Defendant Shall Not Attend Protests”: In Portland, Getting Out of Jail Requires Relinquishing Constitutional Rights

Washington Post

Oregon governor, federal officials announce withdrawal of most federal agents, but timelines differ

Willamette Week

Police

Agencies present

Federal: DHS, US Marshals, etc.

Munitions used

  • Pepper balls
  • Flash bang grenades
  • Tear gas

Number of arrests

Federal: one charged (as of 4pm on 7/31)

Charges

  • Arson

Protests for July 25

Posted on by audrey

Summary

Saturday afternoon was filled with activities and neighborhood marches. A Chalk Bloc event took place downtown, in recognition of an activist who was recently arrested by the feds for drawing a chalk line on a street. Another group worked on building shields to keep protesters safe from impact munitions and grenades. In the evening, over a thousand people gathered at Alberta Park to march downtown. Thousands more congregated outside the Justice Center and Federal Courthouse.

Continuing as with earlier protests this week, protesters gathered as groups like Wall of Moms and Vet Bloc, to create human barriers between the feds and other protesters. A little before 11 PM the feds used tear gas on the crowd. The reason for this is unclear because no warning was given. In addition to the tear gas and pepper balls that are common, the feds also sprayed mace and streams of pepper spray directly at protesters’ faces on the other side of the fence. At 11:20 PM the feds announced the protest was an “unlawful assembly” and began throwing flashbang grenades and canisters of tear gas into the crowd.

Protesters pulled back and regrouped, and the feds retreated back into the courthouse, possibly because someone had thrown paint-filled balloons at them. People began cutting into the fence supports with an angle grinder and were shot at with more munitions. Protesters then attached ropes to the section of fence they were working on and began pulling on it. They succeeded in knocking over a section that was several panels long. At this point the feds threw even more tear gas into the crowd, shooting canisters well up the street into groups that were nowhere near the fence or involved with damaging it.

Around 1:20 AM the Portland Police declared the protest to be a riot and announced that most of downtown was closed. Groups of PPB and feds moved on to the street, pushing protesters away from SW 3rd Ave, with the feds often clearing a street for PPB to drive riot vans through. The PPB then declared a larger area of downtown closed, all the way to I-405 and pushed hundreds of protesters to west of the highway overpass. Other large groups of protesters remained in the area around the Federal Courthouse, singing and heckling the feds. Tear gas was used one or two more times, and smaller groups of protesters remained on the street until daylight.

Several journalists again reported they were injured by impact munitions shot directly at them.

Scheduled Events

Timeline

Some cool activities happening at this afternoon’s skill share!

There’s also a group building shields in Clinton Park:

https://twitter.com/PDXRosieRiddle/status/1287136013895127041

Chalk art happening downtown:

There are neighborhood marches going on all over town (this is SE Foster and 72nd Ave):

It’s a really nice day to hang out in a park before a march. Here’s Alberta Park in NE Portland:

This is a very big group!

Other people have gathered at the Portland Police Association building, also in NE:

We’re splitting out the remaining action into geographic sections, scroll down to see the Justice Center updates.

March from Alberta Park

The cops at the North Precinct look like they’re ready to cause trouble:

The Geneva Convention statement on tear gas has been copied onto a banner:

Hockey sticks and banners up front:

The march is now crossing the Steel Bridge into downtown:

After this point (about 11:15 PM) the protest groups are all downtown and our timeline will be combined.

Downtown/Justice Center

Looks like we’ll also have a drumline tonight:

Some pre-emptive measures on the fence:

Part of the downtown protest split off to march to the Marriot Hotel – we haven’t seen any confirmation of this rumor that they’re housing the feds yet:

An inaudible warning from the feds:

The feds might be a little twitchy tonight.

The feds are using tear gas for no apparent reason:

Also streams of pepper spray. Not cool!

Around 11:20 PM the feds declare an “unlawful assembly”. The combination of tear gas and flashbangs is clearing people away from the fence:

More indications that there was very little ramp-up:

It sounds like someone brought paint balloons:

War crimes continue.

Despite the tear gas, protesters still fill the streets:

The feds have gone inside and the crowd that started calm is now much less so:

A better look at the paint residue:

Nice projections tonight:

Some people are trying to cut through the fence again tonight and there’s also fireworks. Meanwhile, the feds have munitions and an endless supply of tear gas.

Stepping back a bit:

The feds reinforced their fence with some braces to try to prevent last night’s wobbliness, so tonight’s rattling is so far less dramatic:

An attempt is being made to pull down the section that was cut:

The LRAD broadcast a warning to stop messing with the fence:

More gas, why not?

This will probably lead to more tear gas, but so does everything else.

Making progress with the fence removal!

The feds respond by doing… more tear gas! This time they’re shooting it half a block up the street.

At just before 1:20 AM, the Portland Police are declaring a riot and again “closing” a large section of downtown.

Feds? PPB? on the move:

Oh there’s the Portland Police:

The police extended the closed area all the way to I-405. Last time this happened, protesters had to arrange carpools because so many were stranded with no way to get back to their cars or across the river.

Here’s a group on the far side of 405:

Here’s a whole lot of feds standing in the intersection next to the courthouse:

This closure now cuts off access to up to three bridges, and really any way out of downtown unless you’re headed to the West Hills or Pearl District – assuming it can be enforced.

The feds appear to be raiding Riot Ribs:

At 3 AM, despite the announcement that downtown was closed, large groups of people remained in the areas outside the Federal Courthouse.

A look at the remains of the fence:

At 4 AM, another round of tear gas:

Around 5:30 AM the feds withdrew from the street back to the courthouse:

Media

Present

Articles

Clypian

Protestors In Portland Tip Federal Courthouse Fence Saturday; Riot Declared By Police

The Guardian

Portland: protesters bring down fence as confrontation with Trump agents rises

The Intercept

Before Portland, Trump’s Shock Troops Went After Border Activists

Los Angeles Times

Portland protesters showered by tear gas again — and with solidarity from across the U.S.

The New York Times

The New Yorker

Homeland Security Was Destined to Become a Secret Police Force

OPB

The Oregonian

Portland Mercury

Riot Ribs to Transfer Leadership to Don’t Shoot PDX

Reuters

Portland protesters continue clashes with armed federal agents

Street Roots

Pain, arrests and trauma: 4 injured protesters share their stories

Washington Post

Willamette Week

Police

Agencies present

  • Feds: DHS (BORTAC and SRT), US Marshals, Federal Protective Service
  • Portland Police Bureau

Munitions used

  • Smoke
  • Pepper balls
  • Tear gas
  • Pepper spray

Number of arrests

Charges

  • Resist Arrest
  • Attempt Assault of Public Safety Officer
  • Escape III
  • Interfering with a Peace Officer
  • Disorderly Conduct II 
  • Assault IV
  • Attempt Escape III 
  • Federal: assaulting federal officers
  • Federal: operating a drone in restricted airspace

Protests for July 24

Posted on by audrey

Summary

On Friday night, a wide range of groups gathered downtown to protest, including teachers, lawyers, chefs, Asians for Black Lives Matter, and a skilled drumline. City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty spoke about the importance of the movement, saying “we have the right to seek redress from our government” and “we are setting the standard for the rest of the country”. She continued, “if we fail, democracy is doomed.”

The thousands of people who gathered spilled over into nearby streets, unable to completely fit on 3rd Avenue in front of the Justice Center and Federal Courthouse, and the adjacent parks. A small group in front of the courthouse fence pushed it back and forth, causing it to sway. At about 11 PM, the federal officers deployed tear gas into the crowd, which was still too large to readily disperse. Protesters successfully diverted the gas back into the federal courtyard, using leaf blowers.

Around 11:30 PM a group was spotted using an angle grinder on the fence, while protesters with shields and umbrellas screened them from being viewed from the other side of the fence. This didn’t result in taking the fence down, but a small hole was later spotted by reporters. After another round of tear gas, the feds were seen using their own leaf blowers to try to move the gas back toward protesters.

A little before 1 AM the feds announced the gathering was an “unlawful assembly” from their LRAD speakers. It’s unclear what legal or practical impact this declaration has. Hundreds of people remained chanting, dancing, blowing bubbles, drumming, and eating hot dogs grilled by Riot Ribs. The feds continued to deploy large amounts of tear gas and other munitions from behind their fence. Sometime after 2 AM a fire was started in the intersection of SW 3rd and Salmon, and around 2:30 AM the feds emerged and rushed up the street, toward SW 4th and Taylor (two blocks away). A stabbing reportedly occurred at around the same time, and the feds arrested a suspect. At 2:39 AM the Portland Police declared an unlawful assembly and announced that a large section of downtown was closed. They arrived on the scene where the feds were making this alleged stabbing-related arrest, and appeared to do a hand-over of command. After the feds retreated to the courthouse, using yet more tear gas, and the remaining protesters dissipated.

Scheduled Events

Timeline

A noon rally brought attorneys out in support of protesters:

The Raging Grannies are also out for an early shift:

Today Lindsey is giving everyone an in-depth look at Riot Ribs, which has become a wildly successful mutual aid operation in just a few weeks.

An early visit from the cops and feds rattled people:

The dishwashing situation reminds me of summer camp and/or Occupy Portland:

One of the several affinity groups coming out tonight is starting to gather:

One of many things available in the park now is a book table, free for BIPOC and donation-based for everyone else:

More groups are gathering at Salmon Street Springs and will march to the Justice Center (a few blocks to the west):

It seems there’s some of everyone out there tonight, and not always in a good way:

Lawyers for Black Lives are marching from Pioneer Square south to the Justice Center:

Another big turnout tonight! Even a car parade:

So many groups!

There’s a mic set up at the Justice Center again tonight and Jo Ann Hardesty (our city commissioner) is speaking:

Wall of Moms is going strong, and today they announced they’re transitioning leadership over to a group of women of color including activists from Don’t Shoot PDX.

There are so many people downtown they’re unable to all fit in the parks and streets outside the Justice Center:

The ongoing use of munitions is absolutely having an impact on the landscape, including this relatively new fence around the Federal Courthouse:

One of flyers going around announced that there would be a dodgeball game tonight, so that might be what these beach balls are about:

They’ve welded the fence together and added concrete Jersey barrier blocks to weigh it down, but we’ll see how long that lasts.

Goodbye fence!

And now for the tear gas:

Safety first! ?

The feds are out:

The feds withdrew and the leaf blowers are working hard:

It appears we’re serious about making sure this fence comes down:

And the feds are back out, trying to ID people:

The crowds are smaller, but not small, you know?

Feds have a peep-hole:

The air is temporarily clear enough to get a look at who’s on the other side of the fence:

People have been intermittently lighting fireworks, and some of it’s quite pretty!

It’s unclear what the feds declaring an “unlawful assembly” means, when the Portland Police do it (before tear gas was further restricted to riots only) it was a precursor to use of force, but the feds have been tear-gassing people since 11 PM.

Energy is still high!

More tear gas:

Checking in on Riot Ribs in the park across the street from all these munitions:

Tear gas forever ~~~

Silly string does get kinda gross:

The feds tried even more tear gas and have cleared most people back a block or two now:

Confirming that this really is a ton of tear gas being used tonight:

The Riot Ribs crew keeps going, but their gas masks are 100% essential:

Behind this front line, people are gathered a block or two to the west getting eye washes and treating wounds.

Meanwhile, a trash fire:

The feds are shooting at people because…?

Then the feds emerged and charged up SW 4th, heading north:

After arriving in the area outside the 7-Eleven, the feds arrested someone who reportedly stabbed someone else:

At about the same time, the Portland Police declared their own unlawful assembly and “closed” most of downtown:

The fire in the street outside the courthouse continues to burn:

The feds hold a line at an intersection two blocks from the courthouse:

The Portland Police are staged a few blocks over, to the south and west:

Portland Police arrive on scene with the feds:

Feds continuing to be present:

The feds retreat:

One of the multiple incidents tonight that continue to show press is being targeted (@MacSmiff also took a hit to the head, which thankfully was protected by his helmet):

Things wind down for the night:

Media

Present

Articles

The Appeal

The Feds Have a Long History of Snatching People Up. Only Now They Are Targeting Middle-Class White People.

Associated Press

Judge denies Oregon push to limit US agents during arrests

Courthouse News

Feds Use Tear Gas on Thousands of Portland Protesters

Buzzfeed

Former Officials Say The Elite Border Patrol Unit Sent To Confront Portland Protesters Is Like A “Fish Out Of Water”

Clypian

More Than 6000 Demonstrators Gather In Downtown Portland Friday

Columbia Journalism Review

The attacks on press freedom in Portland

The Guardian

The Intercept

In Portland, Questions Swirl Around Local Police’s Coordination With Federal Officers

Los Angeles Times

Federal agents use tear gas again, wade into street to try to disperse Portland protests

OPB

The Oregonian

Portland Mercury

Reuters

U.S. charges 18 Portland protesters as it sends tactical police to Seattle

Slate

Trump’s Private Army Is Scarier Than You Think

Washington Post

Operation Diligent Valor: Trump showcased federal power in Portland, making a culture war campaign pitch

Willamette Week

Police

Agencies present

  • Federal: DHS, US Marshals, etc.
  • Portland Police Bureau

Munitions used

  • Pepper balls
  • Flashbang grenades
  • Tear gas (CS)

Number of arrests

PPB: one

Charges

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 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 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 11

Posted on by audrey

Summary

On Saturday, a number of protests took place throughout the metro area, including a PDX Stripper Strike march, a BIPOC-led Worldwide Rollout event, and neighborhood marches and rallies. As protesters began to gather outside the Justice Center and Federal Courthouse in the evening, federal law enforcement swept through the parks across the street, using a substantial amount of tear gas. They held a perimeter of several blocks for about an hour before falling back to the courthouse. As the tear gas cleared enough to follow, protesters returned to the area outside the courthouse. Then one of them was shot in the head with an impact munition and injured severely. They are currently hospitalized in serious condition.

The confrontations continued, with protesters being shot with more pepper balls, and waves of tear gas used to clear the area outside the courthouse. Several arrests were made during those sweeps. Around 2 AM the Portland Police joined the feds in pushing protesters out of the downtown area, declaring that it was now closed. This area includes many people’s homes, including those who are houseless and camp on downtown sidewalks.

A group is now standing vigil at Emmanuel Hospital in NE Portland, where injured protesters were taken.

Scheduled Events

Timeline

PDX Stripper Strike is marching across the Hawthorne Bridge:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CChWoL_AT53/

Crossing the Burnside Bridge for the #PDXStandingBy march:

Nice turnout for the skate event:

And out at Gateway:

Audrey stopped by a neighborhood event:

Around 8:30 PM people outside the Federal Courthouse heard an LRAD system being tested. It seems to have been installed at the front entrance.

Not long after, federal law enforcement (some mix of USM/CBP/ICE, details unclear), rushed out of the building and cleared people from the parks.

https://twitter.com/LindseyPSmith7/status/1282169912408936449

CW for graphic violence:

https://twitter.com/hungrybowtie/status/1282176328305762307

During that push (CW for video of the seizure):

https://twitter.com/LindseyPSmith7/status/1282178070133141504

Because of COVID, several of the protest reporters are laid off from other arts and culture work:

LRAD video not recommended if you have difficulty with sirens or flashing lights:

https://twitter.com/LindseyPSmith7/status/1282193748063969281

Feds don’t seem to care too much about who’s press:

Finally, the courthouse doors are closed.

And the feds are back (so soon??)

We’ve lost track of how many rounds of tear gas this is. They started around 9 PM.

Multiple reports of them targeting press tonight, and here’s another:

https://twitter.com/defendpdx/status/1282242663723360256
https://twitter.com/LindseyPSmith7/status/1282245923226050565

The downtown closure is stranding people who need to get cars and bikes from the large area affected.

The same car has been spotted driving aggressively toward protesters multiple times tonight:

https://twitter.com/LindseyPSmith7/status/1282255102149967873

Police are continuing to chase protesters to the west, across I-405 (about 3/4 mile from the Justice Center).

The person who was shot in the head is badly injured:

Media

Present

Articles

OPB

Federal Officers Shoot Portland Protester In Head With ‘Less Lethal’ Munitions

The Oregonian

Portland protests continue for 45th day with stripper, skater, BLM events

Police shoot Portland protester in head with impact weapon, causing severe injuries

Portland Tribune

Local clubs sign on with PDX Stripper Strike demands

Willamette Week

Oregon Governor and Senators Condemn Trump’s Use of “Occupying Army” on Portland Protesters

Video Shows Federal Officers Flinging Tear Gas Canisters Into Portland Crowd

Police

Agencies present

  • Federal miscellanea (Marshals, CBP, ICE)
  • PPB

Munitions used

Number of arrests

PPB: 1 / Federal: 1

Charges

  • Unlawful Pointing of a Laser
  • Assaulting a federal officer