Protests for August 4

Posted on by sal

Summary

Around 1 PM, a small group of protesters gathered at the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) East Precinct, where they held signs and drew on the ground in chalk their demands to defund the police. This event took place and ended without incident or any altercations between police and protesters.

In the evening, hundreds of protesters gathered at Peninsula Park at 7 PM. At the event, food and snacks were provided (courtesy of Revolution Ribs), as well as some shields for the crowd to use. Just before 9 pm, the crowd began marching: their destination – the Portland Police Association (PPA) building, home of the PPB’s union. Soon after protesters arrived, a dumpster fire was started that extinguished itself in less than an hour, after it had burned through the entirety of its contents. Some protesters were also seen knocking on the boarded up PPA building as well as spray painting messages on its walls, which PPB officers appeared to use as justification for declaring an unlawful assembly and announcing that protesters were attacking the building.

Multiple instances of violence against protesters happened at the demonstration. The first was from a driver of a pickup truck that crashed through the protest, which was blocking the street. A protester put their motorcycle in front of the truck seconds before it sped off, appearing to give the rest of the crowd a short moment to get out of the way, before the truck went through the middle of the group, pushing the motorcycle along with it. The driver of the truck was found in the surrounding neighborhood, but according to a press release by PPB was interviewed and then released without charges. Later, an individual confronted protesters, brandishing a gun that they had with them. This person then fired three shots into the air, dispersing protesters that were near them, before running off. Fortunately, there were no injuries as a result of either incident.

While PPB officers did not appear to use tear gas throughout the night, they deployed smoke bombs, flash bangs, and pepper spray at protesters while attempting to disperse the group. They also used their batons to hit and push protesters from behind when trying to move them out of the area. In total three arrestees were booked with charges, and one individual (a member of the press) was detained but taken to the hospital for injuries sustained during their arrest.

The night appeared to end by about 2 AM without any further incident or attacks by PPB or other individuals.

Scheduled Events

Timeline

A small protest in front of The Portland Police’s East Precinct demanding that Portland Police get defunded took place around 1 pm.

In the evening, hundreds of people gathered at Peninsula Park for the “Direct Action for BLM” demonstration.

Revolution Ribs, the group formerly known as Riot Ribs, was back in town and feeding protesters once again at Peninsula Park.

Just before 8:55 pm, protesters left Peninsula Park and began marching.

At about 9:45 pm, protesters reaching The Portland Police Association (PPA) building in North Portland.

An update on the individual that was asked to leave for not wearing a mask:

The dumpster fire that was started soon after the crowd’s arrival quickly put itself out.

At about 10:30 pm, law enforcement officers began making announcements over their loudspeakers (LRAD).

Just before 11:20 pm a silver pickup truck drove aggressively through the crowd, pushing a motorcycle along in front of it. There doesn’t appear to have been any injuries.

The driver of the truck was found in the surrounding neighborhood and has reportedly been apprehended by law enforcement.

Just before midnight Portland Police declared the gathering an unlawful assembly.

Just after 12:30 am, there were reports of three gunshots fired in the area, prompting officers to return to the area after having just left.

Just after 1:20 am, Portland Police declared the gathering a riot.

A member of the press was arrested and was taken off in an ambulance after telling officers that they were experiencing significant pain in the position they were put in while being arrested.

*WARNING*: The footage below contains an individual clearly in distress.

Media

Present

Articles

CNN

DHS to replace military-style uniforms for federal police officers

The Hill

Police committed 125 human rights violations during Floyd protests: Amnesty

KGW

Riot declared after protesters break into Portland police union headquarters

KOIN

Night 68: Pickup plows through fence, pushes motorcycle

Sociologist: Portland protests can regain focus now that feds gone

OPB

Gunshots in the air, dialogue mark 68th night of Portland protests

The Oregonian

US lawmakers hear from man pushed into unmarked van by feds and Navy vet repeatedly struck with batons during Portland protests

Portland Mercury

Protesters and Lawmakers Are Concerned About the Effects of Expired Tear Gas

Refinery 29

Inside The Portland Protests, Separating Fact From Fiction

Reuters

U.S. prosecutors do not charge Portland protesters with antifa ties

The Seattle Times

Portland protests smaller, calmer, free of tear gas after federal withdrawal

Vox

How Portland’s Wall of Moms collapsed — and was reborn under Black leadership

The Washington Post

DHS plans to change military-style camouflage uniforms seen in Portland

Police

Agencies Present

  • Portland Police Bureau

Munitions

  • smoke bombs
  • flash bangs
  • pepper spray

Arrests

PPB: 3

Charges

Riot, Disorderly Conduct II, Interfering with a Police Officer, Attempting to Assault a Public Safety Officer

Protests for August 3

Posted on by sal

Summary

There were two different demonstrations happening in Portland on the night of August 3rd. One began at Laurelhurst Park in North Portland and then marched east to the Multnomah County Sheriffs’ Office East Precinct (EMCSO), the other was the nightly demonstration in Downtown Portland in front of the Justice Center and Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse.

The gathering at Laurelhurst Park was announced mere hours before it was slated to begin at 8 PM, but still drew a crowd of around 150 people who began marching to EMCSO around 9 PM. Once there, protesters chanted at police, someone put an inflatable pig at the feet of officers in the empty space between the two groups, and protesters bounced on a rogue mattress that had been placed in the street.

Things were calm until officers, claiming over their loudspeakers that objects were being thrown at them and warning protesters off of precinct property, began advancing towards protestors and pushing them east. This advance included multiple “bullrushes” at protesters, wherein the line of officers in riot gear following behind the group of protesters moving away would suddenly run up behind them and push, tackle, or arrest the members bringing up the rear of the group. There were two arrests during this time, one of which was a member of the press. Officers eventually retreated back to EMCSO, dramatically marking their departure with a few smoke bombs thrown between them and the line of protesters, who also made their way back to the precinct. After protesters returned to the precinct officers eventually retreated inside and, besides coming out to clear some tables in the street that protesters had used to make a barricade, did not have any further interactions with protesters for the rest of the night.

In Downtown Portland, the demonstration remained calm almost through the whole night. Early on, a young Black individual was arrested for unknown reasons by Portland Police Bureau officers, prompting the protesters in the area to surround the scene and watch it unfold for the protection of the arrestee. This drew out a group of officers in riot gear, who held a line against protesters away from the arrest. But riot officers weren’t out for long, and eventually withdrew from the area. From there the night remained relaxed, with a small group of remaining people playing basketball and listening to music. There were no further interactions with Portland Police for the rest of the night after the first arrest.

Scheduled Events

Timeline

The timeline is split into two locations: Downtown Portland and Laurelhurst Park, where two separate demonstrations took place the night of August 3rd.

Laurelhurst Park

An impromptu gathering at Laurelhurst Park was announced midday on August 3rd.

At about 9:30 pm, the group marching from Laurelhurst Park arrived at The Multnomah County Sheriffs’ East Precinct.

Around 11:50 PM, law enforcement officers began advancing on protesters, pushing them east out of the area.

After law enforcement officers retreated back to the East Multnomah County Sheriffs Office building, protesters made their way back as well.

In the video capture of Portland Police below, officers are heard joking about an unconventional use of pepper spray against protesters.

The night ended without incident after this.

Downtown Portland

Downtown, the nightly demonstration in front of the Justice Center and Mark O. Hatfield occurred as usual.

At time-mark 3:20 in the footage below, riot police are seen driving up and approaching protesters that had gathered around a young black person being arrested by PPB.

Police withdrew from the area and protesters struck up a game of basketball.

Local journalist Alissa posted a thread beginning with the tweet below, chronicling the many cars that entered the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse in the early morning of August 4th.

The night ended without any further incident.

Media

Present

Articles

The Appeal

POLICE VIOLENCE WAS A PROBLEM IN PORTLAND LONG BEFORE FEDERAL AGENTS ARRIVED

KGW

Faith leaders gather in downtown Portland in support of Black Lives Matter protesters; demonstrators march to Southeast police precinct

KOIN

PPB: 1 stabbed, evidence stolen at Lownsdale Square

Medium

Letter from an Occupied City

The New York Times

I’m the Police Chief in Portland. Violence Isn’t the Answer.

The Oregonian

Person wounded in downtown Portland stabbing

Portland police smash window, slash tires of woman’s Prius during protest dustup (video)

Portland Mercury

Good Afternoon, News: Chief Pens “Copaganda” for NYT, Beyoncé is Back, and Trump Flip-Flops on TikTok

Portland Monthly

The Complicated Rise and Swift Fall of Portland’s Wall of Moms Protest Group

The Washington Post

Protests live updates: Daily Mail publishes leaked police body-camera footage of George Floyd’s arrest

Willamette Week

In New York Times Op-Ed, Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell Says Protesters Are Responsible for “Violence”

Police

Agencies Present

Munitions

  • smoke bombs
  • pepper spray

Arrests

2, 1 juvenile

Charges

Criminal trespassing II, Assaulting a public safety officer

Protests for August 2

Posted on by audrey

Summary

Sunday afternoon, a family march brought a small crowd to the Justice Center, where a pro-police event had earlier taken place. In the evening, about a hundred people came out to listen to speeches and chant outside the Justice Center and Federal Courthouse. The night ended uneventfully.

Scheduled Events

Timeline

The family march this afternoon started at Waterfront Park and went to the Justice Center:

A little earlier, a pro-police protest was happening outside the JC:

A quick look at the Justice Center scene at dusk from The Oregonian reporters:

It’s a small protest downtown so far tonight:

It seems like there are several small groups doing different things, a candlelight vigil, these chants, the drums:

An end to a fairly uneventful night:

Media

Present

Articles

Los Angeles Times

Portland, America’s ‘whitest’ big city, is an unlikely hub of Black Lives Matter

The New York Times

As Federal Agents Retreat in Portland, Protesters Return to Original Foe: Local Police

The Oregonian

Washington Post

Sen. Duckworth criticizes Trump administration response to protests in Portland

Willamette Week

Portland Police Used Tear Gas Nearly 100 Times Since May, According to Portland State University Analysis

Police

Agencies present

None

Munitions used

N/A

Number of arrests

N/A

Charges

N/A

Protests for August 1

Posted on by audrey

Summary

On Saturday, protesters gathered across Portland to march, focused on racial equity in education, solidarity from teachers and union members, and supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. In the evening, a group of a few hundred marched from Laurelhurst Park in SE Portland to the East Multnomah County Sheriffs Office, which is also a Portland police precinct. After chanting and projecting messages on the building for less than an hour, the protest was declared an unlawful assembly before 10 PM and police physically pushed protesters away from the building. Several protesters were assaulted, one being pushed off of a bicycle, and the police also slashed tires including those on a car clearly marked “Press”. Another reporter was maced directly in the face while attempting check the identification numbers of police officers during the push.

Downtown, large groups gathered outside the Federal Courthouse and at Salmon Street Springs in Waterfront Park. These groups included teachers and the Democratic Socialists, both wearing red. After some speeches, the Waterfront Park groups marched to the Federal Courthouse, where more people were speaking in front of the fence. The atmosphere remained energized and festive, and a speaker visiting from Seattle led a large group on a march through downtown before things winded down for the night.

Scheduled Events

Timeline

This afternoon, a couple thousand people turned out for the Justice System Reform march (#WeGoneBeAlright):

The firefighters returned to their park for a second night:

SE Portland

This evening at Laurelhurst Park, folks are gathering for a march (destination TBD). Scroll down for tonight’s downtown/Justice Center content.

Arriving at the SE Portland Precinct / East Multnomah County Sheriffs Office (EMCSO):

A recent lawsuit has led to an injunction against law enforcement filming protesters (under state law, it’s illegal for them to film someone who is not committing a crime):

First warning of the night! At about a quarter to 10 PM:

At about 9:50 PM the protest was declared an “unlawful assembly”.

The riot cops (sheriffs?) attacked:

Warning: flashing lights in the next video

Protesters are regrouping, but seem to be split into a couple of groups:

More cops:

Some videos from a bit ago:

Some of the protesters have returned to Laurelhurst Park, where they started:

CW: audible violence for the video below

The remaining protesters seem to have scattered or headed downtown to join the other protest from here.

Downtown

Starting with some speeches at Waterfront Park:

Now at the Federal Courthouse:

The marchers are arriving:

A group split off to march through downtown, destination unknown:

They seem to have returned, and now some of the people who were at the SE Precinct have also joined the protest downtown:

Not sure what this person’s alignment is (pro-BLM or otherwise?):

Protesters at the courthouse are going to march again:

And continuing on:

While the march is happening, some protesters are outside the federal office building (two blocks from the courthouse) having a look at the feds inside:

Still marching!

Media

Present

Articles

Associated Press

The New York Times

Homeland Security Reassigns Official Whose Office Compiled Intelligence on Journalists

OPB

With federal law enforcement gone, Oregon electeds must focus on protest demands

The Oregonian

Street Roots

Portland police are no better than the feds, activists say

Washington Post

Willamette Week

Police

Agencies present

  • Portland Police Bureau
  • Multnomah County Sheriffs (unconfirmed)

Munitions used

  • Flash bangs
  • Mace and/or pepper spray

Number of arrests

PPB: two

Charges

  • Assaulting a Public Safety Officer
  • Interfering with a Police Officer
  • Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree
  • Resist Arrest
  • Harassment

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 30

Posted on by sal

Summary

At about 5:30 am on July 30th individuals living in Lownsdale Square Park, across from the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse, were abruptly told by Portland Police Bureau officers that they had 10 minutes to gather what they could and vacate the area in an early morning sweep. The blue tents that had become a staple at the nightly protests providing food and medical supplies to protestors were taken down and the park was cleared of the belongings of the people that lived there. The park was then taped off and it was announced that Lownsdale Square and its neighboring parks, Chapman Square and Terry Schrunk Plaza, were closed.

At 10 AM, a march demanding justice for Patrick Kimmons led by his mother was held downtown. The group began at the Justice Center, then marched to the place where Patrick was shot by police, and then back to the Justice Center, where they encountered Portland Police officers in one of the closed off parks. At this demonstration, two protesters were arrested by Portland Police. Pro-police “Blue Lives Matter” counter-protesters were also present in the area downtown, but besides some mild verbal interaction between the two groups, there were no altercations.

At night, the demonstration in front of the Justice Center and Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse proceeded as usual, and it was a largely uneventful night. Protesters gathered in front of the Justice Center initially to listen to members of the community speak and then moved over to the federal courthouse. There were only some minor incidents, including small fires set around the area and protesters shaking the fence surrounding the federal courthouse, but none of these prompted a response by law enforcement officers. Law enforcement officers were seen only once throughout the night, around 2:50 AM, when unidentified federal officers (it was difficult to see their uniforms in the dark in the few videos that captured them) stepped out of the courthouse and into the portico between the front of the building and the surrounding fence, looked around, and then went back inside. From here the night ended without any further incident.

Scheduled Events

Timeline

At 10 AM a group of protesters rallied at the Justice Center demanding justice for Patrick Kimmons, led by his mother.

At one point a woman was reportedly assaulted near protesters. Police officers standing nearby did not respond. It is also unclear if either party of the incident were a part of the protest.

Pro-police counterprotesters were seen downtown by the Justice Center.

Two protesters were arrested, including an individual (seen in the second video below) that has been seen playing a trumpet for protesters at demonstrations.

In the evening, the nightly demonstration in front of the Justice Center and Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse happened as usual.

At about 1 AM, a new version of the Snack Van (which has been providing snacks for protesters for weeks and has repeatedly been the target of attacks by law enforcement) arrived at the demonstration.

As 2 AM hit and protester numbers dwindled, there still hadn’t been any engagement from law enforcement officers.

Just after 2:50 AM, law enforcement officers were seen walking around in the portico in front of the federal courthouse. Minutes later they went back inside and did not engage with protesters.

Media

Present

Articles

ABC News

How Portland became nation’s hotbed for clashes between protesters and federal agents

CNN

A photojournalist who was shot in the eye says it’s not just violent rioters being targeted in Portland

Columbia Journalism Review

Taking shots in Portland

Forbes

Trump Calls Portland Protesters ‘Anarchists’ And ‘Agitators.’ Data Shows Otherwise.

The Guardian

Portland sees peaceful night of protests following withdrawal of federal agents

Independent

Trump threatens to send National Guard to Portland and calls protesters ‘terrorists’

KGW

Campers cleared from Portland parks after protest

Mic

How Black anarchists are keeping the protest movement alive

The Nation

How the DHS Can Still Arrest Journalists in Portland

NBC News

Trump calls Portland protesters ‘terrorists,’ claims they ‘hate our country’

The New Republic

All Police Can Be Secret Police

NPR

How Portland’s Racist History Informs Today’s Protests

OPB

Analysis: Portland protesters vary as much as their arrests

Portland leaders promise less tear gas as Oregon State Police arrive

Portland police clear parks across from federal courthouse in early-morning sweep

The Oregonian

Oregon state troopers start duty at federal courthouse ahead of Portland protests Thursday

Leaders in Thursday night crowd called out violence, turned focus away from federal courthouse in Portland

Politico

Citing impostors, feds urge lifting of court order protecting journalists amid Portland protests

Portland Mercury

Portland Police Temporarily Barred From Live-Streaming Protests

Portland Police Will Work Closely With State Troopers Guarding Federal Courthouse

ProPublica

Portland Protesters No Longer Being Banned From Attending Protests to Win Release From Jail

Reuters

Portland protesters put out fires as feds withdraw

Revolt

America, here’s the truth about Portland’s protests that the mainstream is hiding

The Seattle Times

Man takes stand against street bonfire amid uncertainty over what happens next in Portland protests

Shootings increase during Portland protests

Time

‘It’s About the Core Values of Black Lives Matter.’ Portland Activists Are Trying to Remind People Why They Started Protesting to Begin With

The Washington Post

DHS compiled ‘intelligence reports’ on journalists who published leaked documents

Protests live updates: Calm returns to Portland protests as federal forces pull back

Protests live updates: No charges for former officer who killed Michael Brown; DHS compiles reports on journalists

Willamette Week

Holly Martinez and Rian Peck Are Suing the Federal Government. They’re Not Alone.

President Trump Gives Oregon State Police Two Days to “Clean Out This Beehive of Terrorists”

Portland Bureau of Environmental Services Says It Is Investigating the Federal Rinsing of Tear Gas Into Storm Drains

Mayor Ted Wheeler Apologizes for Portland Police Bureau’s Excessive Use of Tear Gas

Police

Agencies Present

  • Portland Police Bureau
  • Unidentified federal officers

Munitions

None

Arrests

2

Charges

Disorderly conduct II, Criminal mischief II, Trespassing II, Interfering with a peace officer

Protests for July 29

Posted on by sal

Summary

(*FLASH WARNING*: In multiple videos, federal agents were seen using a rapidly flashing light aimed at protestors. All footage that captures this light have a flash warning above them as well as a video description explaining the clip’s contents. Please avoid watching these videos if you have epilepsy and/or are affected by flashing lights.)

In Downtown Portland, demonstrations in front of the Justice Center and Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse continued as they have nearly every night for over the last 60 days. Estimates from journalists put the number of protestors in the area around 500 people at its peak.

The night began with most protestors in front of the Justice Center, where they listened to speakers and music. Without evidence of provocation, federal officers began teargassing the demonstration at around 11 PM, and continued to do so with only small breaks in between for the next few hours. At around 11:50 PM, federal officers came out of the federal courthouse from multiple sides and boxed many protestors into a few city blocks and began pushing them east away from the courthouse. Multiple arrests were made at this time. Federal officers also appeared to re-enter the courthouse building multiple times, only to reemerge each time and deploy more tear gas, impact munitions, and pepper balls at protestors. Despite the dwindling number of protestors by 1 AM, federal officers continued to deploy large amounts of tear gas.

Just before 2 AM, federal officers were seen driving into the area in two unmarked cars, one black and one white. Officers jumped out of the car and appeared to attempt to detain a protestor that was in Lownsdale Park across from the federal courthouse. It is unclear if they succeeded at detaining anyone, but they quickly got back into the two cars and drove west away from the scene. As the rest of the federal officers on the ground returned to the courthouse, they continued deploying tear gas at the small crowd that remained.

The night ended by about 3 AM without further incident or confrontation from law enforcement officers.

Scheduled Events

Timeline

Local activist Mac Smiff gave a rousing speech to protestors on the steps of the Justice Center.

Transcript: “… try and reform the police, because it doesn’t do anything. The police are not a reformable institution. The police really aren’t even an institution, the police union is an institution, and the city is an institution, the Portland Police Bureau is just a group of signed checks. I’m […] right now. I need you guys to understand that our fight is a long fight. Because we are not just fighting against the city, we’re not just fighting against Donald Trump, we’re fighting against all of them. [drums] the bad guys are fighting this shit. But! They said Black Lives Matter. ‘Cause we do. But they wanted us to focus on the problem, not the solution. And they dangled the funding in front of our faces as if, oh yeah that’s not really gonna happen. And we looked into it, and that shit is real. Defunding the police is an action that can happen tomorrow. [drums] right now and cut the budget. It can fucking happen. And then quit. [drums] Understand, understand, but to do nothing is […] but know my friends talk you into voting on oversight improvement, in November. That is bullshit. And when they ask you this week, if that’s what you want to do, you tell them that’s bullshit! And you tell them we’re taking [funding?] from the fucking cops, give it to our schools, give it to mental health, [drums and cheering] Some people have way less, way less than anybody else! And you all know what I’m talking about. None of this shit would be happening, we wouldn’t have gangs and shit if people had what they fucking needed to have.”

Federal Protective Services (Homeland Security) officers were heard for the first time of the night at 10:50 PM making announcements to protestors over their loudspeakers.

Federal officers released their first round of tear gas just before 11 PM.

Federal Protective Services officers declared an unlawful assembly at 11:30 PM and deployed a second round of tear gas.

At about 11:50 PM, federal officers exited the courthouse onto the street.

*FLASH WARNING*: The clip below contains rapidly flashing lights.
Video Description: Federal officers are seen standing nearby as an offscreen group of federal agents pushes protestors north away from the federal courthouse. A trumpet can be heard playing in the background, and protestors passing by are chanting “Walk, don’t run” and “Stay together, stay tight. We do this every night”.

*FLASH WARNING*: The clip below contains rapidly flashing lights.
Video description: A line of federal officers advances east, pushing protestors away from the intersection just north of the federal courthouse. There is a group, made up largely of press, seen passing a line of federal officers facing south.

*FLASH WARNING*: The clip below contains rapidly flashing lights.
Video Description: One federal officer in a tan camouflage uniform is seen holding their weapon at eye level and shoots munitions (presumably pepper balls) towards a group of protestors, some holding homemade shields. Members of the press are seen documenting the moment to the side of the space between federal officers and protestors.

As a group of federal officers attempted to leave the scene, the side door to the courthouse they were using got jammed before closing fully.

Federal officers drove up to protestors in unmarked, seemingly civilian vehicles.

Media

Present

Articles

ABC News

Federal court to review ‘protest bans’ in Portland arrests

Oregon governor announces ‘phased withdrawal’ of federal officers from Portland

BBC News

Portland protests: Federal forces ready for phased pull-out

Bon Appetit

No Matter How Many Meals We Serve, They’re Still Going to Attack Us

CNBC

Oregon, federal government reach deal for withdrawal of agents from Portland

CNN

Homeland Security and Oregon reach deal to begin withdrawing federal agents from Portland

Courthouse News

‘Occupying Force’ of Federal Agents to Begin Pulling Out of Portland, Oregon

Daily Beast

What Pullout? Feds Gas Moms in Fresh Portland Crackdown

The Hill

Trump blasts Oregon officials over Portland protests

KGW

Journalist shot in the face with impact munition by federal agents during Portland protest

Tear gas in the air, officers hit the streets on Day 63 of Portland protests

KOIN

Photos: Portland, outside the protest zone

Medium

Portland is No ‘White Spectacle,’ but a Flashpoint in the Struggle for Human Dignity

Mother Jones

Trump Threatens to Escalate Federal Invasion of Portland

NBC News

Oregon governor says feds to leave Portland, but feds say they’re staying

The New York Times

Federal Agencies Agree to Withdraw From Portland, With Conditions

NPR

For Some Arrested At Portland Protests, Release Is Conditional On Not Attending More

Oregon Gov. Says Federal Officers Will Begin Phased Withdrawal From Portland

OPB

‘It’s like they’re testing it on us’: Portland protesters say tear gas has caused irregularities with their periods

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announces ‘phased’ removal of federal officers from Portland

‘Very serious conversations’ underway to remove federal officers from Portland

The Oregonian

Former Portland police officer, on desk duty after record brutality verdict, now accused of sexually harassing co-worker

No-protest condition will be dropped for people facing federal charges in Portland demonstrations

Portland protesters react Wednesday to news that federal officers may withdraw (live updates)

Portland’s Wall of Moms crumbles amid online allegations by former partner, Don’t Shoot PDX

Portland Mercury

With Some Feds Leaving Portland, How Will Protest Policing Dynamics Change?

ProPublica

We Are Tracking What Happens to Police After They Use Force on Protestors

The Washington Post

Protests live updates: Trump threatens to send National Guard to Portland

Willamette Week

Hardesty and Wheeler Declare Truce and Send Portland Voters a Proposal for Police Reform

Portland Comedian and Musician Creme Brulee Has Become a Fixture of the Protests—Mostly By Dancing

Gov. Kate Brown Says Feds Have Agreed to “Phased Withdrawal” From Portland Starting Thursday

Into the Gas: Night After Night, Portlanders Confront Trump’s Violent Police in Downtown. It Feels Like a Party, and the End of the World.

Police

Agencies Present

  • Department of Homeland Security – Federal Protective Services
  • Customs & Border Protection
  • U.S. Marshals
  • Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC)

Munitions

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

Arrests

4

Charges

Assaulting a federal officer x 3, Failure to comply with a lawful order x 1

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 27

Posted on by sal

Summary

In Downtown Portland, the nightly demonstration in front of the Justice Center and Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse continued as it has almost every night for the last 60 days. Among the hundreds of participants were some recognizable groups including the Wall of Moms, the Wall of Vets, and the Dad Pod. Unfortunately, a group that wasn’t there was locally beloved Riot Ribs (who had been feeding protestors and the surrounding community alike free of charge for the last few weeks), who announced during the day over Twitter that they were dissolving.

Multiple fires were set early in the night, one at the site of the former elk statue and one in the portico in front of the federal courthouse. Not long after, federal officers deployed tear gas, pepper balls, flash bangs, and impact munitions at protestors from inside the courthouse.

At 11:40 PM, after multiple heavy rounds of tear gas use, federal officers declared the demonstration an unlawful assembly. Following this declaration was more deployment of tear gas, pepper balls, and impact munitions against protestors until just after 1 AM, when federal officers moved out onto the streets and pushed protestors west out of the area. After federal officers retreated back off the streets, protestors promptly returned to the area in front of the courthouse.

The night seemingly ended without further incident.

Scheduled Events

Timeline

A vigil was held in honor of Tete Gulley, a black houseless woman in Portland whose death was labeled a suicide, which has been widely contested by her family and the community.

Downtown, the evening demonstration in front of the Justice Center and Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse occurred as usual.

Journalist Eder Campuzano outlined the two different groups that were demonstrating downtown:

At about 11:30 PM, federal officers emerged from the Mark O. Hatfield Courthouse for the first time of the night. By 11:35 PM they had begun deploying tear gas and impact munitions against protestors from inside the fence surrounding the courthouse.

At about 11:45 PM, federal officers warned that they would declare the gathering an unlawful assembly.

Following about 20 minutes of tear gassing and shooting pepper balls at protestors, federal officers reentered the courthouse after putting out the fire in the portico.

At about 11:40 AM, federal officers declared the gathering an unlawful assembly.

Just after 1 AM, federal officers exited the courthouse and pushed protestors out of the area going several different directions.

After federal officers withdrew, protestors appeared to move back to the area in front of the federal courthouse that officers had cleared.

After this point the night seemingly ended without further incident.

Early the next morning, Riot Ribs posted a press release to their Twitter account explaining their decision to dissolve:

Media

Present

Articles

ABC News

US Attorney: Feds will stay in Portland until attacks end

AP News

Barr to condemn rioting at much-anticipated House hearing

BBC News

Portland protests: Ban federal agents from cities, Democratic mayors say

Business Insider

A journalist who’s worked with PBS and National Geographic tells us what it was like being shot in the eye by law enforcement in Portland

CBS News

Barr to tell House Judiciary Committee that Portland protests are “an assault on the government of the United States”

Courthouse News

Portland Protesters Undeterred by Near Triple-Digit Heat

CNN

Peaceful protests and violent clashes erupted this weekend. Here’s what happened in 6 cities

The Hill

Wall of Moms, Black Lives Matter sue Trump admin over Portland response

22 people facing federal charges in connection to Portland protests

KATU

Don’t Shoot PDX, Wall of Moms file lawsuit against Homeland Security

22 protesters face federal charges after arrests in Portland over the weekend

KGW

Demonstrators congregate in downtown Portland as protests continue

Los Angeles Times

As protests against federal agents grow in Portland, Black activists worry their message is getting lost

‘The Moms Are Here’: ‘Wall of Moms’ Groups Mobilize Nationwide

The Oregonian

At Portland protests, Riot Ribs is dissolving completely after threats to group’s safety

Law office of Portland police union attorneys vandalized

Wall of Moms, Don’t Shoot Portland sue federal Homeland Security, Justice Departments

Two Portlanders hospitalized after shot with munitions: ‘If that round had hit me in the neck, I definitely would have died.’

Portland protests return for 61st day after weekend of large crowds, clashes with police (live updates)

Portland Mercury

Federal Officers Probably Aren’t Leaving Downtown Portland Anytime Soon

Portland State Vanguard

Diverse voices join resurgence in Portland protests

Portland Tribune

Wheeler, Hardesty request meeting with feds

Lewis & Clark history department chair shot at protest

Street Roots

Feds sprayed chemicals into the eyes of a retired ER nurse and veteran

Truthout

If We Don’t Want Armed Feds Occupying Our Cities, We Must Hit the Streets

The Washington Post

More federal agents dispatched to Portland as protests rise in other cities

Protests resurge across U.S. as clashes continue in Portland

Wall of Moms, Black Lives Matter protesters sue Trump administration for use of tear gas, force in Portland

Willamette Week

Groups and Individuals Active in Nightly Portland Protests File New Lawsuit Against Federal Agencies

Portland Police Association Warns City Council New Police Oversight Proposal Is Illegal

Police

Agencies Present

  • U.S. Marshals
  • Department of Homeland Security – Federal Protective Services

Munitions

  • tear gas
  • pepper balls
  • impact munitions (rubber bullets)
  • flash bangs
  • lasers

Arrests

State: 1 juvenile

Federal: 2

Charges

State: Criminal mischief, Disorderly conduct

Federal: Assault of a federal officer, Failure to comply with lawful order

An Open Letter to Those Outside Portland

Posted on by lauren

July 23, 2020

Hello friends and family,

You may be wondering if things in Portland are as bad as you have heard on the news. Well, yes and no. If you aren’t downtown, things are business as usual for the pandemic, with a little added tension and some weird planes and helicopters going overhead. (More on that later.)

If you are downtown at night, it is worse than you think. Protests for Black lives and against police brutality have been taking place in front of the county courthouse (and federal courthouse next door) for over 50 days. On July 3, Trump sent the feds (Department of Homeland Security) to Portland in order to “quell” the protests.

It’s not just young punks that are out protesting. There’s the Wall of Moms, who link arms and sing lullabies, and Dad Pod, who bring leaf blowers to deflect tear gas. Local elected officials are joining in.

The feds are extremely violent. They beat a Navy veteran who did nothing worse than stand too close to them and ask them why they were breaking their oath to the United States. One of the moms says she was sexually assaulted during arrest. Two protesters (that we know of) have received significant head injuries, at least one of which appears to be from the feds deliberate targeting his head. The feds have also been destroying street medics first aid supplies including hand sanitizer and PPE, which is just great during a pandemic.

There have been unusual planes flying overhead. For many days they stuck over the protests, but last night they began circling Portland widely. I saw them go past my house over and over. At least one of them is believed to be using Stingray technology. Stingrays mimic cell phone towers and suck up identifying information about you and those around you. I’m worried that they might be surveilling the entire city regardless of who is doing what.

There are mysterious unmarked cars grabbing people at night. A group of DHS officers in camouflage snatched a person, pulled his beanie over his head, and took him to a federal building. I have seen the “murder vans,” as we’re calling them. They don’t even have license plates.

Last night our mayor got tear gassed by the feds. A lot of us don’t like the mayor, myself included, but I’m glad he’s finally getting a taste of his own medicine. The Portland Police Bureau has been using tear gas on protesters for years and the mayor is police commissioner. Tear gas was recently banned in Oregon, unless it’s a riot, but the police call any kind of property damage a riot (including an officer slapping a phone out of a protestor’s hand so hard that it broke their own window). 

Additionally, the Portland Police Association (the local police union) seems to be going rogue. The mayor was never asked to meet with DHS Acting Secretary Chad Wolf, and PPB never officially met with him, but the PPA certainly did and welcomed him! Our city council has barred the PPB from working with the feds, but we suspect they still are. One of my friends was pushed to the ground for filming Portland Police in his neighborhood. They told him that he’d better not be collecting intelligence for “insurgents.” This isn’t a war and protesters aren’t enemy combatants.

The feds will soon be heading to other cities including Chicago, Detroit, New York, Baltimore, Oakland, Philadelphia, and (strangely) Albuquerque.  I want everyone to know what to expect. I love you all and will keep myself safe.

Best,

Lauren Hudgins