US: Protests continue in Portland (Oregon) July 22-23 /update 3

Event

Federal security forces deployed tear gas as thousands of protesters gathered in Portland (Oregon) on Wednesday, July 22, into the early hours of Thursday, July 23, amid a continuation of anti-police brutality protests. Protesters gathered in large numbers near the Federal Courthouse on Southwest Third Avenue. Mayor Ted Wheeler reportedly addressed those gathered outside the courthouse, and participated in the demonstrations. In the evening on Wednesday, some demonstrators started debris fires near the courthouse. Media sources suggest security forces detained some protesters, although this is not clear. By the early hours of Thursday, police issued a riot warning in an attempt to disperse crowds and deter demonstrators; however, protests continued. 

Separately, a Black Lives Matter demonstration took place outside the Justice Center in Portland on Wednesday to honor Shai-India Harris, an 18-year-old who was shot and killed in the area on July 10.

Further protests are likely in the near term. 

Context

On Sunday, July 19 Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler reportedly renewed his calls for federal troops to leave Portland, after they have attracted controversy over their alleged abusive tactics against demonstrators. Protests in Portland have persisted each night for the last eight weeks. 

Protests began worldwide after US citizen George Floyd died while being arrested by Minneapolis police officers on May 25. The four arresting police officers were subsequently fired and detained, and one has since been charged with second-degree murder. Protests have since spread to several cities across the US, with solidarity protests taking place throughout the world.

Advice

Individuals in Portland are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.