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Damian Lillard on Trump Protests: "Tearing Your Own City Apart" Doesn't Help

Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard spoke out against anti-Trump protests in Portland, Oregon on Saturday. In an interview with ESPN, Lillard said the protests went "too far" after a man was shot. 

According to police, demonstrators used bats to smash store windows and cars, and lit fires in the streets. Police have called the situation a “riot,” and over the past few days more than 45 people have been arrested.

"I think it's very unfortunate that people have done some of the things they have done during the protest. A lot of harm and damage has been done," Lillard said to ESPN. "I do understand their frustration, and I commend people wanting to come together for some kind of change. Tearing apart your own city just isn't the place to begin, and also making your own city less of a safe place isn't the answer."

Lillard, an Oakland, California native, says he considers Portland his adopted home and the protest "doesn't even fit the description of the city of Portland."