Portland police officer restricted following texts

(Update: Commander won’t be on team during investigation)

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Portland police say a commander will not work with a specialized rapid response team he leads while the city investigates texts between him and the leader of a far-right group.

The text messages show Lt. Jeff Niiya communicating with Patriot Prayer leader Joey Gibson during protests that have rocked the liberal city.

Attempts to reach Niiya for comment were not immediately successful.

In the texts, Niiya details the movements of a rival anti-fascist protest group and warns Gibson that a Patriot Prayer ally with a possible warrant for his arrest needs to be careful.

Mayor Ted Wheeler has asked the police chief to investigate the “disturbing” texts and says they appear to encourage Patriot Prayer and contribute to the distrust of the police.

The police were accused last August of being heavy-handed and injuring some people who were protesting a rally organized by Gibson.