Portland protest latest: More arrests, confrontations
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Police in Portland made 19 more arrests Saturday night as rowdy anti-Donald Trump protesters marched through downtown for the fourth day.
Police said those arrested conducted “criminal behavior” during the demonstrations, which happened despite calls for calm from the city’s mayor and police chief.
Several hundred people took to the streets and police arrested multiple people after protesters threw bottles and blocked streets and light rail lines.
Shortly before 11:30 a.m., police tweeted that Pioneer Square was closed for a two-block radius “for police action. Everyone in this area needs to leave or face arrest.”
Police tweeted that distractionary “bang” devices were used to make arrests and that some protesters attracted a film crew. They also said officers found and removed a stockpile of bricks and rocks near Pioneer Square, where several hundred people gathered.
Protesters dragged large metal barricades into SW Yamhill Street, blocking MAX light-rail trains. Earlier, protesters blocked the tracks and one person was arrested. Officers gave protesters several orders, warning they would be arrested for blocking streets. They also noted a weekend curfew of 10:15 p.m. for youths under 14 and midnight for those 14-17.
On the other hand, they also said several community members had been complimentary and high-fiving officers, expressing appreciation for their work.
Earlier Saturday, Portland’s mayor and police chief urged people to avoid another night of protests.
At a news conference, Hales said people should find more constructive ways to protest. He says by taking to the streets protesters are “providing cover for those who want to fight with police and make mayhem.”
Police said they used flash-bang grenades to disperse a crowd filled with hundreds of people in the downtown area, and that some protesters threw rocks and bottles and vandalized storefronts.
Marshman said it’s time to move on but that officers will be prepared to keep the city safe.
Police also said a shooting early Saturday that injured a man participating in the march did not appear to be related to the protest. Two people have been arrested on attempted murder charges. Police believe they are gang members who may have been “out looking for trouble.”
