Of videos reviewed by @Oregonian of Patriot Prayer counter-protest in Portland, "None appears to show projectiles thrown by counter-protesters prior to the use of riot control weapons by police"
I've said this a million times but as someone who used to attend and document protests in Portland on a regular basis, the police force here historically responds to peaceful protests with disproportionate force. Disappointing that hasn't changed under new leadership
Since 2014, I've been at numerous Portland protests that suddenly escalated with no observable precipitating event. Police using flashbangs, tear gas, assault w batons against peaceful protesters with little warning (LRADs are usually kept on the periphery as a threat)
The strange part is that many of these protests were held in solidarity with other national events, but other cities seem to rarely see the same kind of police use of force under similar circumstances. Something is off in Portland and it isn't the protesters.
After documenting a ton of Portland protests in the early days of black lives matter, I stopped during the Trump admin. I'd cover if I was on assignment or something locally, but it's hard to feel safe enough. Props to all the local reporters + demonstrators who stay out there
It already felt dangerous any time it was just cops vs. demonstrators in Portland, now we have full-fledged counter factions. With the ongoing clash of protest movements here and w/o a police bureau capable of deescalation, lethal violence feels inevitable in Portland.
I'd like to be wrong.
