The residents of Portland, OR, are these days no strangers to violent riots, usually involving Antifa. This Democrat-run city has been home to violence and chaos caused by extreme leftwing groups, and the situation has gotten worse since the death of George Floyd. Demonstrators appear to be focusing much of their wrath on federal buildings such as the Mark O. Hatfield Courthouse. For nearly 50 consecutive days, people have been gathering in the City of Roses, destroying property and causing millions of dollars’ worth of damage, prompting President Donald Trump to send in more federal agents.
These protesters even tried to set up an autonomous zone – much like the one in Seattle, WA. – but were quickly denied, as local police and the city stepped in to put a stop to the takeover. Now, it seems, federal officials in unmarked cars are swooping in and removing agitators, sparking cries of injustice.
On July 15, demonstrators grabbed barricades and whatever else they could utilize to begin constructing their cop-free zone. It didn’t last, however, as police arrived early the next morning and gave a ten-minute warning to remove themselves or be removed. Approximately 13 people were arrested during the confrontation. The city and police, working together, closed Chapman Square Park and Lownsdale Square Park to the public until the areas could be cleaned of debris and graffiti defacing public art.
Hauled Away in Unmarked Vehicles
Starting around July 14, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting, “Federal law enforcement officers have been using unmarked vehicles to drive around downtown Portland and detain protesters…” The broadcast went on to say:
“The tactic appears to be another escalation in federal force deployed on Portland city streets, as federal officials and President Donald Trump have said they plan to ‘quell’ nightly protests outside the federal courthouse and Multnomah County Justice Center that have lasted for more than six weeks.”
Also, on July 15, the city’s first lady, Katrina Wheeler, sent out a tweet that didn’t earn her any brownie points. She directed the tweet towards Conservative reporter Andy Ngo, saying he just followed her, and she blocked him. “Not a fan of his lies or propaganda,” she tweeted. “If you believe his ----, don’t bother following me because I’ll block you too, as soon as I realize it.” Ngo took videos of the destruction and riots going on in the city, but apparently, the Wheelers find that more offensive than the looting and destroying of federal and private businesses. Ted Wheeler, the mayor, was upset that the president sent in troops, saying they needed to stay inside and leave it to the city’s law enforcement to handle things peacefully.
The mob’s hostility towards police has increased, as the feds, dressed in camouflage, are picking up offenders without explanation and, allegedly, without reading the detainees their Miranda rights. Acting Department of Homeland Security Chad Wolf said: “Each night, lawless anarchists destroy and desecrate property, including the federal courthouse, and attack the brave law enforcement officers protecting it.” With Trump’s support, federal aid will assist in preventing the city from falling prey to another siege on American soil by spoiled citizens. Wolf continued:
“A federal courthouse is a symbol of justice – to attack it is to attack America. Instead of addressing violent criminals in their communities, local and state leaders are instead focusing on placing blame on law enforcement and requesting fewer officers in their community. This failed response has only emboldened the violent mob as it escalates violence day after day.”
What is it going to take for these Democrat-run states to get their cities under control? Seattle’s mayor Jenny Durkan (D) was very complacent with the autonomous zone, referring to it as a “summer of love.” That is until the group took its angry march to her doorstep, then she was all about shutting down the violent community. As Liberty Nation’s James Fite said: “So, did Mayor Durkan shut down CHOP because a couple of kids got shot – or did she do it because the protesters made it personal and a bunch of American patriots threaten to show just how much Seattle doesn’t need her?”
What will it take for the Wheelers to wake up and smell the coffee? The City of Roses isn’t so rosy anymore after pretty much nonstop violent protests from Antifa and now 50 days of riots. One also has to wonder what all of these gatherings have done to the Coronavirus count, but let’s not even open that can of worms.
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Read more from Kelli Ballard.
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