Portland PD came with the action in a big way tonight in downtown Portland. I’ve made similar comments over the past two weeks since the rioters had abandoned downtown Portland for the non-federal neighbors in the suburbs, but the Portland PD has changed the dynamic of the riots.
The federal agents who were defending the federal building night after night had to restrain themselves in significant ways because the press and politicians were determined to make the presence of the federal agents the story, and not the rioters. The narrative went on for weeks that the presence of the federal agents was sparking the violence from the protesters, and if the agents would simply leave all would be well.
State and local police were finally put to the task of cleaning out the two parks across the street from the courthouse, thereby depriving the rioters of their staging and retreat areas. The state and local police then took back control of the streets in the area of the courthouse, denying the rioters easy areas to assemble in large numbers. With their logistics and planning disrupted the rioters shifted their focus to suburban Portland PD Precinct stations for the past two weeks. But the State Police and Portland PD became progressively more aggressive in dealing with the riots in the suburbs, and the protesters also wore out their welcome with the Portlanders who live there.
In response, Antifa announced earlier today that the riots would return to downtown, the County Justice Center, and the federal courthouse.
“Oh boy, it’s just like old times.”
The fence around the courthouse has been heavily reinforced, as you can see here.
As I film this, a small group walks past me and a young woman squeals with glee: "Oh boy, it's just like old times!" pic.twitter.com/6SZh2nQUsB
— Robert Evans (The Only Robert Evans) (@IwriteOK) August 13, 2020
No federal agents in sight — none needed. Portland PD ran roughshod over the rioters on their “home turf.”
Police bull rush protestors pic.twitter.com/boQPG2KIpO
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) August 13, 2020
The Police shove press, who are on the sidewalk abiding their instructions. Then they tear gas PSU for what might be the first time? I have not been gassed here before, probably. pic.twitter.com/7nFrXcIglb
— Robert Evans (The Only Robert Evans) (@IwriteOK) August 13, 2020
The police advance and begin to deploy tear gas. pic.twitter.com/hT8brXcmnH
— Robert Evans (The Only Robert Evans) (@IwriteOK) August 13, 2020
The first fire of the night has been lit inside the justice center courtyard. An LRAD warbles in the distance, but it is completely incomprehensible. pic.twitter.com/LGf8I9G7bK
— Robert Evans (The Only Robert Evans) (@IwriteOK) August 13, 2020
Police jog towards the remaining protestors pic.twitter.com/l6oErhfmwh
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) August 13, 2020
Police move to disperse protestors, again pic.twitter.com/q4kEhEVzZl
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) August 13, 2020
Here is a very long shot — nearly 23 minutes if you have the time. Very provocative — and accurate headline.
The police just charged out and fucked some people up. A lot of punches to the head tonight. Stream here, short and sweet:https://t.co/NTPm16bOey
— Robert Evans (The Only Robert Evans) (@IwriteOK) August 13, 2020
Two weeks ago, this was absolutely prohibited by Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler. There were no Portland PD Officers on the street under identical circumstances. Wheeler was praising rioters and condemning the federal agents. Now Portland PD is pretty much “unbridled.”
The rioters are probably longing for a return of the good old days.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member