The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, whose jurisdiction includes Portland, Oregon, announced Wednesday evening due to "widespread violence is occurring in Downtown Portland," Gov. Kate Brown (D) had activated the Oregon National Guard to be deployed to the city.
In the interest of public safety, Governor Kate Brown, under advice of the Unified Command, activated the use of the Oregon National Guard to assist officers in responding to acts of violence, and to maintain public order and ensure community safety," the sheriff's office said in a press release. "Law enforcement officers and members of the Oregon National Guard assisted in crowd management, clearing space for business owners to safely board up their properties. For about 90 minutes, police moved through Downtown Portland performing high visibility patrols, preventing further crime."
...in responding to any acts of violence, and to maintain public order and ensure community safety. Guard members are trained in crowd control and will be riding with local response teams. They are dressed in military style garb, which is their uniform...
— Multnomah Co Sheriff (@MultCoSO) November 5, 2020
The violence included multiple buildings being damaged by Antifa and Black Bloc rioters, who marched throughout the downtown area.
Windows broken at this church. #koin6news #pdx #pnw #Oregon #PortlandProtests #Protest pic.twitter.com/2PVkKKwHZ3
— Jennifer Dowling (@JenDowlingKoin6) November 5, 2020
Glass broken at Starbucks in Pioneer Square. #koin6news #pdx #pnw #Oregon #PortlandProtests pic.twitter.com/zvO7AuccMQ
— Jennifer Dowling (@JenDowlingKoin6) November 5, 2020
The National Guard joined the local law enforcement by pushing people away from the area after it had been declared an unlawful assembly.
Portland police and Oregon national guard pic.twitter.com/Dwb1xKicwY
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) November 5, 2020
"At least 10 people were arrested. Officers recovered multiple firearms, ammunition, a knife, commercial and consumer-grade fireworks, body armor and gas masks from arrested individuals," Multnomah County Sheriff's Office said.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member