Despite Many Peaceful Protesters, Police Make “At Least 50” Arrests On Ninth Night Of Demonstrations

Last night marked the ninth night of demonstrations in Portland, with police saying one was non-violent and another resulted in 50 arrests.

Police say that the evening began the same way as the last several nights with several groups of demonstrators taking to the streets.

At 6:00 P.M. a group formed at Revolution Hall in Southeast Portland.

The group marched north on Southeast Grand Avenue.

The march of several thousand was said to of continued to Northeast Fremont Street and headed east to Irving Park.

The group gathered peacefully for several hours in the park and marched back to Revolution Hall where the demonstration ended around midnight.

Police say “This was another example of a well-managed demonstration for all involved to exercise First Amendment rights.”

Another group started out at Pioneer Courthouse Square.

The group of several hundreds began marching just before 9:00 p.m. through the north part blocks and continued through Northwest Portland.

The march turned south and headed to the area of the Justice Center where it merged with the group which already gathered.

A group of several hundreds were said to of formed in front of the Justice Center.

Many members of the large group began engaging in what police are calling “criminal behavior” just after 6:00 p.m. which police say escalated as the night progressed.

Police say some demonstrators were shining laser pointers, using mirrors to direct light at officers, hurling items at officers that included balloons full of paint, full cans of beverages, attempting to cut the fence and push it over, and lit commercial grade fireworks at officers.

Portland Police say they issued many orders to stop the criminal behavior but the actions continued.

Just before 11:00 p.m. Police say that an unlawful assembly was declared and the crowd was given opportunity to dispersed and were warned if they did not do so.

Officers began dispersing the crowd just after 11:30 P.M.

Portland Police say that they as well as outside agency mutual aid partners arrested at least 50 people.
They also say that just around midnight a commercial grade firework was launched over the fence at the justice center injuring two deputies.

According to police the rest of the agitators were dispersed close to 2:00 a.m.

“Thank you to the many thousands of Portlanders who demonstrated tonight without violence. Your voice is powerful, and I am with you,” said Chief Jami Resch. “While your actions did not get the attention and coverage of the other events downtown, I want you to know we see you and we hear your message. To all of our Bureau members and mutual aid partners, I am grateful for your continued efforts and service. To my staff, to our partner agencies, and to the many other thousands of people who worked to keep tonight safe, thank you. I have had many conversations with demonstrators and community leaders over this past week. I am inspired and encouraged by their wisdom and their guidance.”