Protests continue in Portland and throughout Oregon

(JUNE 6, 2020) Thousands of people continue to gather daily in different places around the state in order to protest racism, police brutality, and the recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Abrery, among others.

Today is the 10th consecutive day that demonstrations large and small have occurred in Eugene, Beaverton, Sandy, Salem, and other places throughout the state. In downtown and Southeast Portland, the crowds have grown to as many as 10,000 on Friday night.

Many protesters want peaceful marches and demonstrations, not riots. Some, however, believe violence (such as throwing things at police), dangerous behavior (such as street racing), and destruction of property (such as breaking windows, knocking down fences, and starting fires) is necessary to get attention. A number of protesters are arrested each night in Portland, including 20 adults and one young person Friday night.

City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty says the recent violence and destruction of property in Portland “had nothing to do with black America. It was not about standing up for black people’s rights. It was not about acknowledging the death and harm that has taken place.”

However, a representative of PopMob, a group of activists, told The Oregonian newspaper: "“The thing is that windows can be fixed, graffiti can be painted over or washed away ... You can never get back the sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, parents, spouses that have been murdered by police. ...We have a system of policing that places more value on property than on people’s safety and their lives.”

Police have said they will not engage with peaceful protesters. However, they still respond with force when they think the situation is dangerous. To break up crowds, for example, they sometimes use tear gas, stun grenades, foam bullets, or devices that project loud sounds. Police Chief Jami Resch said, “We will continue to facilitate free speech and assembly and focus efforts on arresting those who engage in criminal activity that reduces our public safety.” However, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler has told police to stop using the sound-making device. He and at least two other city commissioners support a 30-day ban on the use of tear gas.

The Willamette Week newspaper reported that organizers Friday night said they will stop calling the events "peaceful protests" and instead call their actions "nonviolent resistance." The newspaper said it reflects "a growing belief among activists that only violence by police will shock Americans out of supporting officers." That night, the crowd chanted "nonviolent resistance!"