Lots of people were talking about heading to Irving Park where there was already a "Rally to Inaugurate Justice" planned by the Portland Democratic Socialists of America, so that's what you see now. There are also some people playing basketball. More people arriving. Chants of "Black lives matter" and "The people, united, will never be defeated."

Protests never materialized earlier today in Salem, though there was certainly a large police and media presence. Not the case in Portland, where a sizeable crowd has already gathered in front of Revolution Hall. They're currently yelling at some bike cops (the people in yellow shirts).

Despite Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler's harsh words for “antifa anarchists," many are skeptical anything will change. Gabe Johnson with the Coalition to Save Portland says authorities have set a bad precedent for months.
koin.com/news/protests/… A small fraction of 1,000+ arrests at demonstrations are currently being prosecuted.

One protester described continued arrests as "BS." Police book you & you're out within hours.

"Then you get a no complaint on your court date. So it’s like, why are you arresting people?”

We've tracked arrests and citations by local authorities since Portland's protests began. Charges have effectively been dropped in about 90% of cases. I spoke with Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt about why that is.
koin.com/news/protests/… Schmidt says his policy to presumptively decline to prosecute certain protest charges protects speech rights & saves resources for more serious crimes.

"Breaking windows of businesses, lighting things on fire, stealing ... that’s what we’re focusing on."

Crowd of at least 200 just marched to the Multnomah County building on SE Hawthorne and Grand chanting "No cops. No prison. Total abolition." Buses momentarily paused on the Hawthorne Bridge, then all turned north on Grand.

Scene in downtown Portland right now. Featuring the new elk statue and a Federal Courthouse that has had a lot of the graffiti removed. Speeches at the Justice Center. This man has harsh words for "opportunists" who want to burn things or break into the buildings.

"Take your motherf***ing punk a** home. ... We are tired of our people getting hurt behind your bullsh*t."

A crowd of 200+ left Kenton Park around 9:30 and just arrived at the PPA building on North Lombard. One speaker told the group before the march: "Tonight we will be civilly disobedient. And there's nothing peaceful about the protest."
koin.com/news/protests/… Crowd in front of PPA. Other people are using fences, cars, dumpsters and other items to block the road.

"Who's ready to raise some hell tonight?" a person with a megaphone asked, prompting cheers. The crowd of about 200 gathered at Floyd Light City Park plans to march to PPB's East Precinct any minute now.
koin.com/news/protests/… Marching over to PPB East Precinct.

I'm at Peninsula Park in North Portland where a march is supposed to start at 8. Destination unknown at this point. A couple dozen protesters appear to be here right now (along with other people/families hanging out in the park). "Defund police" banner flying overhead.

About 100 people in the parks across from Justice Center and Federal Courthouse right now. Woman standing where the elk statue used to be is saying COVID is made up. Called it a plandemic. Many people are yelling that that's not true. A few people seemed like they were trying to drown her out with chants of "Black lives matter."

This is what it looks like in front of the federal courthouse right now. Usually there is less garbage at the start of the evening. It looks like they also added some extra supports on the inside of the fence. One man in this group says, as Indigenous people, they believe in the power of songs as prayer.

"It was just a vision to bring the hand drums down here and sing our songs to stand and show support and solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement."

Scene in the park across from Federal Courthouse. So. Much. Food. First aid and other supplies too. No fence in front of the courthouse tonight either. Lots of people wandering around looking at the graffiti.

Moms and dads gathering at Salmon Street Springs. Plan to march to Justice Center to protect the protesters again tonight.

bit.ly/2WButsk Some of the dads brought yard tools. I think the moms still outnumber them, though. One mom is instructing everyone in the crowd to find a buddy, stick with them, and stay safe.

I'd estimate 200-300 people outside the Justice Center right now. Some people have been speaking in front of the JC. Two mentioned that burning the building is a bad idea because there are innocent people inside. Then some chanting.