Three people arrested during protests in downtown Portland; police seek information on assaults. https://t.co/f9SeHFb3tK pic.twitter.com/rFWTEZT88o
— FOX 12 Oregon KPTV (@fox12oregon) June 30, 2019
It wasn’t just Andy Ngo attacked.
The Portland Police Bureau planned for and responded to several planned, but unpermitted, demonstrations in Downtown Portland today. Prior to the demonstrations, the Portland Police Bureau disseminated a public information release about the anticipated events and potential impacts. The Portland Police Bureau partnered with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Protective Services, TriMet, Portland Parks Bureau, and Portland Fire and Rescue for these events.
Beginning around noon, groups gathered in Pioneer Courthouse Square, Chapman Square, Lownsdale Park Square, and on the East end of the Hawthorne Bridge. A baseball bat was surrendered to police at Lownsdale Park Square by a participant.
Officers were in the area to facilitate free speech and promote public safety. The groups in Chapman Square and Lownsdale Park Square merged, then began marching toward Waterfront Park. This was an unpermitted march and was impeding vehicular traffic for a short time. The group entered Waterfront Park, then marched toward Pioneer Square where a separate group was gathered. Officers formed a skirmish line to keep the groups separate for their safety. Area transit was impacted sporadically during the event.
During today’s events, there were multiple assaults reported, as well as projectiles thrown at demonstrators and officers. There were also reports of pepper spray and bear spray being used by people in the crowd. Officers deployed pepper spray during the incident.
There were reports of individuals throwing “milkshakes” with a substance mixed in that was similar to a quick drying cement. One subject was arrested for throwing a substance during the incident.