Protests for July 26

Posted on by sal

Summary

During the day, the Push for Peace rally was held and occurred without incident. A couple hundred protestors “marched” on wheels (including bicycles, skateboards, and roller skates) from Laurelhurst Park to Burnside Skate Park, where they listened to black teen community leaders speak about police brutality and call for police abolition.

In the evening, at its height about 1000 protestors were gathered downtown in front of the Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse and the Justice Center. This event saw attendance from the Wall of Moms, the Dad Pod, and the Wall of Vets, who have all been regular attendees of the nightly demonstrations downtown recently.

Just after midnight, the crowd saw their first round of tear gas from federal officers, which continued for hours throughout the night. At 12:15 AM, Federal Protective Services declared the gathering an unlawful assembly and the use of tear gas continued without warning before each new wave against the crowd. Federal officers were also seen using high powered lasers from a higher vantage point somewhere on the courthouse to mark protestors that were throwing tear gas canisters back over the fence surrounding the courthouse.

The Witches, a group that has been providing mutual aid to protestors and running a medical supply tent in one of the parks across from the federal courthouse and Justice Center, were forced out of the area by the high volumes of tear gas deployed by federal officers. According to other witnesses in the area and one of the volunteers working with The Witches, the medical supplies in the tent were intentionally destroyed after their departure. This action was said to have been done by federal officers.

There were also reports of a shooting that occurred around 7:30 PM at Lownsdale Park before the demonstration began for the night. Two individuals were arrested in connection with the incident, both of whom have since been released from police custody. It is unclear if this event had anything to do with the ongoing protests in the area.

Scheduled Events

Timeline

A march on wheels was held midday starting at 1 PM at Laurelhurst Park.

In the evening, the demonstration downtown in front of the Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse and Justice Center occurred as it has nearly every night for the last two months.

Just after midnight the Federal Protective Services announced over their loudspeaker that protestors had to disperse or risk use of force.

At about 12:15 AM, the Federal Protective Services declared the gathering an unlawful assembly.

At about 1:15 AM, federal officers exited the courthouse and the surrounding fenced area to stand in front of the fence facing protestors.

[Content Warning (below): intense/frightening scene of police violence] In the clip, two arrests were made by federal officers.

Note: It is difficult to distinguish between some federal officers and Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officers because they both wear dark uniforms. There had been no indication that PPB officers were on the scene.

From here there was no more coverage of the demonstration, as journalists likely went home in the early morning hours.

The Witches (who have been running a medical aid tent every night in one of the parks in the area of the protests) had their supplies destroyed, allegedly by federal officers.

Media

Present

Articles

AP News

On Portland’s streets: Anger, fear, and a fence that divides

CBS News

Portland protests again culminate in use of tear gas by federal agents

CNN

Why Portland? The city’s history of protest takes an exceptional turn

The Guardian

Anti-fascists linked to zero murders in the US in 25 years

Clashes in Portland as Trump’s actions light fuse under protests in other cities

‘These are his people’: inside the elite border patrol unit Trump sent to Portland

KGW

Portland protests continue for 60th night

KOIN

PPB: 2 arrested, released after 1 shot near Lownsdale Square

Los Angeles Times

Column: They’re fed up with the ‘tyranny’ of face masks. But Portland? That’s about ‘law and order’

Protests reignite across U.S. as standoffs in Portland continue between protesters and federal agents

The New York Times

Cities in Bind as Turmoil Spreads Far Beyond Portland

Who Gets to Be a ‘Naked Athena’?

NPR

Tear Gas Fired On Protesters Again During Overnight Protests In Portland

OPB

More federal officers deploying to Portland as protests gain momentum

The Oregonian

Inside the Portland protest zone: ‘I don’t think there’s an end in sight’

Police say 2 arrested, 1 injured in gunfire near downtown Portland protest site

Willamette Week

Portland’s “Naked Athena” Speaks for the First Time to a Local Podcast

Portland Settles With Downtown Resident Whose Apartment Filled With Tear Gas

Police

Agencies Present

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

Munitions

  • tear gas
  • pepper balls
  • lasers
  • flash bangs
  • rubber bullets

Arrests

10

Charges

Assault of a federal officer, violating a no-fly zone with a drone

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 23

Posted on by sal

Summary

On the night of July 23rd, thousands of people once again filled the street and parks in front of the Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse and the Justice Center downtown. Early in the night, a small group (around 5 individuals) of counter-protestors stood against the fence surrounding the federal courthouse, proclaiming “Protect the fence and protect the city”, drawing criticism from protestors. Multiple fires were set in the portico between the front of the courthouse and the fence by protestors throwing trash over the fence.

Starting at 12:30 AM, federal officers deployed copious amounts of tear gas against protestors, an action that continued for several hours. This began while federal officers still remained inside the courthouse and shot munitions out the open front doors. They rushed out a couple times to detain protestors that had breached the fence and gotten into the portico, and eventually made their way onto the street. In the street in front of the federal courthouse, federal officers continued to gas and detain protestors, all while pushing protestors west directly away from the courthouse area.

After federal officers went back into the courthouse around 3 AM, calm returned to the area and the night ended without further incident.

Scheduled Events

Timeline

Around 11:05 PM, the doors of the federal courthouse, where the bulk of protestors were stood, opened. No federal agents exited the building.

A small group of people was seen towards the front line of the demonstration promoting protecting the fence, much to the ire of the surrounding protestors.

Just before 12:30 AM, federal officers deployed tear gas and pepper balls against protestors.

Federal officers exited the courthouse for the first time of the night around 12:50 AM.

Around 1:10 AM, federal officers rushed out of the courthouse and made at least one arrest.

Around 1:15 AM, federal officers declared the gather an unlawful assembly.

Around 1:30 AM, federal officers came out from the fenced enclosure around the federal courthouse to disperse protestors with tear gas.

Federal officers once again filled the streets and parks with tear gas while dispersing protestors to the west of the federal courthouse.

Not sure what to say about this one:

As federal officers made their way back to the courthouse, protestors crept forward the same direction, led by a wall of shields.

Media

Present

Articles

Associated Press

Black activists: Portland’s focus on feds only aids message

The Atlantic

Trump Is Putting On a Show in Portland

CBS News

Judge orders federal agents to keep hands off journalists at Portland protests

The Guardian

The Intercept

An Air Force Special Operations Surveillance Plane is Lurking Near Portland During Federal Crackdown

KGW

Federal officers use tear gas after fires set near courthouse in downtown Portland

KOIN

Los Angeles Times

Medium

Mother Jones

States Are Begging for Coronavirus Relief. Trump Sent Federal Police Instead.

The Nation

The Federal Response to Protests Extends Far Beyond Portland

NBC News

Portland protesters on being detained, chased by federal agents as situation intensifies

The New Yorker

Trump’s Fake Solution to the Fake Crisis in Portland

The New York Times

Feds Sending Tactical Team to Seattle, Expanding Presence Beyond Portland

NPR

Order Temporarily Blocks Feds From Targeting Press And Legal Observers In Portland

OPB

The Oregonian

Portland Mercury

City Council Votes to End Portland Police Cooperation With Federal Officers

Portland Monthly

Reuters

The Washington Post

Willamette Week

Police

Agencies Present

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

Munitions

  • tear gas
  • flash bangs
  • pepper balls

Arrests

Feds: six

Charges

  • assaulting federal officers
  • failing to obey lawful orders

Protests for July 22

Posted on by sal

Summary

The nightly demonstration in Downtown Portland in front of the Justice Center and the Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse occurred as it does nearly every night, this time with a notable guest: Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler. Thousands of people were present at the demonstration, and many made their feelings on Ted Wheeler, who is not only the mayor but also the police commissioner, abundantly clear by chanting “Fuck Ted Wheeler” and “Quit Your Job” both ahead of his arrival and at him after he arrived.

While Ted Wheeler and some protestors spoke in front of the Justice Center, at the Federal Courthouse across the street, protestors were throwing trash over the fence surrounding the courthouse and setting some of it on fire. Shortly after, federal officers made announcements for protestors to clear the area and stop their behavior, and eventually deployed tear gas, pepper balls, and flash bangs at protestors. Mayor Ted Wheeler was still in the crowd at the time and he and his security team also got gassed.

After the second round of tear gas, the mayor left the protest by entering into a city building two blocks west of the Justice Center. Less than an hour later, The Portland Police Bureau (PPB), who had not had a presence at the demonstration thus far, announce over their loudspeaker that they were declaring the gathering a riot. While PPB was making these announcements and threatening use of tear gas, federal officers were already deploying tear gas at protestors.

By about 3 AM, the attacks on protestors by federal officers had halted. Despite making announcements that they would engage protestors with crowd control munitions, PPB never made an appearance at the demonstration. The night ended without further incident after this time.

Scheduled Events

Timelines

Ahead of Ted Wheeler’s planned presence at the nightly demonstration downtown, protestors made their feelings on Portland’s Mayor/Police Commissioner very clear.

Around 9:10 PM, Mayor Ted Wheeler arrived at the demonstration.

Note: “Protest Bureau” below refers to The Portland Protest Bureau, a black-led group in Portland that was created at the start of the George Floyd protests who purport to be leaders of the movement.

Next door to the Justice Center where Ted Wheeler and protestors were speaking, a group of protestors gathered in front of the Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse.

The Snack Van, who announced a few days ago that they would be leaving Portland, made a surprise return.

Just before 11:20 PM, federal officers emerged from the federal courthouse for the first time of the night and deployed tear gas, among other munitions, against protestors. Mayor Ted Wheeler was still in the area.

Around 11:40 PM, federal officers reemerged from the federal courthouse. Shortly after they deployed pepper balls and tear gas at protestors for the second time of the night.

Mayor Ted Wheeler departed the protest by entering The Portland Building, two block West of the Justice Center where protestors were being teargassed heavily by federal forces.

Around 12:30 AM, Portland Police, who hadn’t been seen downtown the whole night, declared a riot.

Multiple fires had been set throughout the night.

The Wall of Moms, who on previous nights had stuck on through multiple rounds of tear gas, were notably not present for very long at the demonstration leaving many asking why. Journalist Tuck Woodstock received an explanation:

Media

Present

Articles

ABC News

Bloomberg

Philadelphia’s Top Prosecutor Is Prepared to Arrest Federal Agents

CNN

The Guardian

Federal agents retreat to Portland base as protesters control streets

KATU

KGW

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler to attend Wednesday night protest

KOIN

Los Angeles Times

Op-Ed: The Border Patrol’s brute power in Portland is the norm at the border

Marie Claire

Portland Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty Has a Message for Trump and the Feds

The Nation

The New York Times

NPR

‘We Will Not Retreat’: Homeland Security Vows Continued Federal Response To Protests

OPB

The Oregonian

Portland Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty slams Mayor Ted Wheeler, blames Portland police for fires being set during protests

Politico

Portland Tribune

Reuters

Court documents reveal secretive federal unit deployed for ‘Operation Diligent Valor’ in Oregon

Truthout

Trump’s “Shockingly Dangerous” Fed Squads Expand Their Reach

Vice

The Washington Post

Willamette Week

Police

Agencies Present

  • U.S. Marshals
  • Portland Police Bureau

Munitions

  • tear gas
  • pepper balls
  • flash bangs
  • lasers

Arrests

Feds: six

Charges

  • failing to comply with a lawful order

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 19

Posted on by sal

Summary

Portland’s 53rd night of protesting saw around 1000 people in front of the Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse, numbers that we haven’t seen since the early days of the protests. Among them were a group of an estimated 300 – 400 moms, who call themselves the Wall of Moms, doctors/medical workers from OHSU, and everyday protestors alike. While a demonstration and march were slated to take place at St. Johns park, this did not happen due to low numbers resulting in safety concerns for those that were there.

Federal officers tear gassed protestors heavily multiple times throughout the night. They also shot munitions liberally, injuring multiple independent journalists including Alex Milan Tracy, Jake Johnson, and Donovan Farley. After several aggressive rounds of tear gas, pepper balls, and flash bangs, federal officers eventually retreated back into the federal courthouse and by 3 AM calm was returned to the area and lasted for the rest of the night.

Scheduled Events

Timeline

At 7 PM, protesters gathered at St. Johns park for a rally and subsequent march.

The rally at St. Johns eventually dissipated without marching, reportedly due to low numbers.

Downtown at the nightly demonstration in front of the Justice Center and Federal Courthouse, the group of moms that were present at last night’s demonstrations returned for Round 2.

Just before 10 PM, federal officers came out of the federal courthouse. In front of them the group of moms stood in a human chain with their backs to the courthouse.

At about 10:30 PM, federal officers appeared to deploy the first flash bang of the night.

Around 11:20 PM, federal officers briefly reemerged from the courthouse.

After a round of pepper balls were shot at protestors on the south side of the fence around the federal courthouse, the line of moms moved further down the fence to fill in the space and protect the protestors behind.

At 11:45 PM, protestors tore down the fence surrounding the federal courthouse.

Around 11:50 PM, federal officers emerged from the federal courthouse building and began firing tear gas at protestors.

While only federal officers were on the street assaulting protestors, Portland Police Bureau officers were spotted shooting unknown munitions out of the small windows in the plywood barriers on the doors of the Justice Center.

Around 12:30 AM Federal officers finished tear gassing the crowd of protestors and went into the IRS building on 3rd and Madison, across from Terry Schrunk Plaza.

An important reminder that can always use repeating:

At around 1:45 AM, federal officers reemerged to mace, tear gas, and push protestors back away from the federal courthouse.

Media

Present

Articles

BBC News

Portland protests: All you need to know about Trump’s crackdown

Portland protests: Mayor demands federal troops leave city

CBS News

Federal officers again tear-gas protesters in Portland, Oregon

KGW

Federal officers use tear gas on crowds outside Justice Center

NBC News

‘Wall of Moms’ stand between Portland Black Lives Matter protesters and federal police

NPR

‘Like Adding Gasoline’: Oregon Officials Blast Trump Response To Portland Protests

The Oregonian

President of Portland police union, targeted in protests, says community has ‘had enough’

Portland Tribune

Portland protester describes beating by federal officers

Reuters

Trump, Portland mayor clash over causes of escalating unrest

Street Roots

Photos | The concerning progression of police response to Portland protests

The Washington Post

Federal officials dismiss Portland leaders’ calls to leave city as clashes with protesters continue

Willamette Week

Portland Public Schools Will Reevaluate All Building Names, Starting With Woodrow Wilson High School

President Trump Has Reenergized Portland’s Protests

Police

Agencies Present

  • U.S. Marshals – Federal Protective Services
  • Portland Police Bureau

Munitions

  • flash bangs
  • pepper balls
  • tear gas

Arrests

No information as of 10:30 AM

Charges

No information as of 10:30 AM

Protests for July 18

Posted on by sal

Summary

There were many different demonstrations throughout the day on July 18th, but in the evening there were two main demonstrations in Portland. One took place downtown in front of the Justice Center and Federal Courthouse, as is customarily the case, the other marched throughout North Portland.

Downtown, the evening’s demonstrations started with a memorial service for Shai’India Harris, an 18 year old girl that was murdered in the Lents area on July 10th, held by her family. Afterwards, protestors gathered in the street between Mark O. Hatfield Courthouse and Lownsdale Park. Notably, one of the first groups to arrive was about a dozen doctors, adorned in their lab coats, who gave speeches. The next group that caught attention was a group of moms that formed a wall by linking arms on the front line of the protest. Chants such as, “feds stay clear, moms are here” and “leave our kids alone” could be heard from this group.

Protestors also made quick work of dismantling a new fence that had come up around the federal courthouse and used it to barricade the courthouse’s front doors. During their first few attempts at this, protestors were met with smoke bombs and federal agents with tear gas. Federal officers attempting to disperse protestors around 11 PM consequently tear gassed and shoved the group of moms as well, much to the ire of the crowd. Despite withstanding multiple rounds of heavy tear gas early in the night, the crowd remained spirited and trekked back to the courthouse area every time. At its peak there were estimates of 300 – 400 people at the demonstration. The night ended largely without incident after early assaults by federal officers.

In North Portland it was a very different scene. Protesters started at Peninsula Park and began marching, at first with seemingly no end goal. Eventually they reached The Portland Police Bureau North Precinct, where they stayed for about an hour playing music, chanting, and allegedly tagging a police car that was left in the open. When PPB began announcing over their loudspeakers for protestors to clear the area, they began marching away from the precinct. This is something that we have seen little to none of since the protests began.

Approximately 2 miles later protestors reached The Portland Police Association building, home of the PPB union. There, they allegedly set dumpsters on fire and allegedly started a fire in the union building itself, although that was relatively small comparatively. Not long after, the gathering was declared a riot and PPB in riot gear came and confronted protestors in a line. Protestors began marching away once again, but this time the riot cops were right behind them. Multiple times as protestors were walking away, PPB rushed at them from the back, tackling people and making multiple arrests.

Eventually protestors were forced to disperse into the dark neighborhoods, where PPB followed them with their loudspeaker disturbing the neighborhood. There were reports of people coming out of their houses to disseminate supplies and provide refuge for the protestors being gassed and shoved. Protestors were pushed towards the highway and told to move East. Unfortunately, the only thing east of them was a wall. The night ended after protestors endured brutal dispersal tactics and attacks from behind from the PPB.

Scheduled Events

Timeline

For clarity, the timeline is split by two locations, Downtown Portland and North Portland. Two separate demonstrations happened in these locations.

Downtown Portland

An event was held by Shai’India Harris’s family in her honor at Salmon Street Springs around 6 PM.

In front of the Justice Center, a few hundred protestors gathered, including a group of doctors.

Federal law enforcement made their first appearance of the night at about 10:45 PM.

Another angle of the same moment above:

North Portland

A demonstration was held at Peninsula Park in North Portland, beginning at 6 PM.

Just before 8:30 PM, protestors coming from Pensinsula Park arrived at the North Police Precinct.

Around 9:30 PM, protestors began moving again, marching away from the North Police Precinct.

At 10:30 PM, protestors marching in North Portland arrived at The Portland Police Association (PPA) building.

At around 11:15 PM, Police charged at protestors a second time.

Media

Present

Articles

ABC News

Oregon attorney general announces lawsuit against federal agents for their tactics on protesters

BBC News

Portland protests: Federal agents ‘abuse power’ in arrests

CBS News

Tear gas deployed in Portland protests as Oregon officials call for federal authorities to leave

CNN

After a Portland Police Association office is set on fire, Trump and the mayor blame each other for more unrest

KGW

Man arrested for shooting into air in downtown Portland after clashing with protesters

Police declare riot in North Portland after union headquarters briefly set on fire

KOIN

Night 51: Riot declared at police union, tear gas used at Justice Center

Los Angeles Times

Federal forces in Portland continue crackdown; protesters and local leaders shout, ‘Go home’

Global News

Oregon attorney general looking to stop federal agents from arresting Portland protesters

The Guardian

Portland: protesters’ outrage grows over federal officers’ ‘blatant abuse’

The New York Times

Federal Officers Deployed in Portland Didn’t Have Proper Training, D.H.S. Memo Said

From Antifa to Mothers in Helmets, Diverse Elements Fuel Portland Protests

OPB

Protests Grow On 52nd Night As Portland Responds To Federal Officers

The Oregonian

‘Anarchists’ provoke tear gas use during Portland protests, police tell Oregon lawmakers

Evidence shows Portland police working with federal officers at protests, contradicting city officials

Feds, right-wing media paint Portland as ‘city under siege.’ A tour of town shows otherwise

Portland protests continue for 52nd night

Protests continue throughout Portland for a 52nd night

Portland Mercury

Portland Police Union Burns, Officers Assault Crowds During July 18 Protests

Waging Nonviolence

Inside the battle for Portland with the independent journalists on the streets

The Washington Post

Oregon attorney general sues federal agencies for allegedly violating protesters’ civil rights

Police

Agencies Present

  • Portland Police Bureau
  • U.S. Marshals
  • Department of Homeland Security

Munitions

  • smoke bomb
  • tear gas
  • pepper spray
  • flash bangs

Arrests

4

Charges

Disorderly Conduct II, Interfering with a Police Officer, Riot,  
Assault Public Safety Officer, Attempt Assault Public Safety Officer, Resisting Arrest

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