YouTube Video: KOIN 6 News
PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 11, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — Reports coming out of Portland say the police there are now calling the anti-Trump protest “a riot.” This is the third night of protests in the city, and the anger and size of the crowd seem to be escalating.
According to KOIN 6 News, police consider the scene a riot, due to “extensive criminal and dangerous behavior.” Participants were being warned that they are subject to arrest for rioting, which is a Class C felony.
It is reported that a crowd began gathering at 5 p.m. in Pioneer Courthouse Square. The protesters then marched at about 6 p.m. and joined another group at the waterfront, according to KOIN 6. Organizers of the protest had threatened to block traffic, and that’s what hundreds of marchers did. They took over the Hawthorne Bridge, blocking cars and climbing the railings, KOIN 6 reports.
The crowd continued to move into northeast Portland, where protesters spray painted graffiti on buildings. More protesters were expected to join them.
Commuter train service continued through affected areas, but some stations were closed because of the protests.
Portland Mayor Charlie Hales, while saying he supports peaceful protest, warned people that blocking traffic and the light-rail lines is dangerous for everyone and makes it difficult for people to get home or to their workplace safely.
On its Facebook page, Portland Police Department updated information about the protests, stating in part:
“On Wednesday evening and into Thursday morning, peaceful protest activities shifted to reports of vandalism, theft and arson. The Bureau is investigating these incidents and may make arrests after suspects have been identified. …
“At approximately 1:04 a.m., a group of approximately 30 – 40 protesters gathered around the Thompson Elk statue at Southwest 3rd Avenue and Main Street, where a small fire was burning. A man later identified as 27-year-old Christopher Joseph Gourneau approached the bonfire and threw a Molotov cocktail into the fire, which ignited amidst the crowd. Several people in the crowd chased Gourneau to Southwest 3rd Avenue and Taylor Street where they knocked him to the ground, kicking and assaulting him. Oregon State Police troopers and Central Precinct officers responded and intervened, rendering aid to Gourneau who was not seriously injured. Officers located and seized as evidence materials for additional Molotov cocktails near the Lownsdale Park bathroom. Gourneau was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on charges of Possession of a Destructive Device and Possession of Cocaine.”
On Thursday night, Portland police tweeted updates and warnings to those in the area:
Crowd throwing projectiles at police. Significant damage to area car lot.
Many in crowd trying to get anarchist groups to stop destroying property, anarchists refusing. Others encouraged to leave area.
Those not wanting to be associated w/anarchists should leave the area immediately. Peaceful protesters encouraged to go to Pioneer Square.
At approximately 12:45 a.m. Friday, objects were still being thrown at police:
After several orders to disperse, police have used less lethal munitions to effect arrests and move the crowd. Ofcs still taking projectiles
Gephardt Daily will update this developing story as more information becomes available.
