US: Protests continue in Portland (Oregon) July 30 /update 4

Event

Thousands of protesters gathered near the Federal Courthouse on Southwest Third Avenue in Portland on Thursday, July 30, for the sixty-fourth straight day of protests denouncing police violence. Protests passed off peacefully and no clashes were reported, the first such calmness in weeks since protests began. 

Separately, a day prior on Wednesday, July 29, federal officers reportedly filled streets close to the courthouse, whereby clashes ensued and officers used tear gas to disperse crowds; some arrests were also made. 

Further protests are possible in the near term, and a heightened security presence is to be anticipated in the vicinity of any protest. 

Context

Oregon's governor Kate Brown announced on July 29 the phased withdrawal of federal officers from Portland, who will be replaced by state troopers. Recent protests in Portland have been dispersed by federal officers using tear gas and other riot control methods, which exacerbated protests. 

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.