US: Police arrest several demonstrators amid further protests in Portland August 20 /update 9

Event

Police in Portland arrested at least three demonstrators on Thursday, August 20, during continued unrest in the city. According to media sources, approximately 100 protesters blocked traffic, threw projectiles at police, vandalized public government buildings, and set fires on Thursday night (local time) around the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building. Thursday's gathering follows successive nights of riots, including those on Wednesday, August 19, which took place around the vicintiy of the same ICE building. The protest was related to the Black Lives Matter demonstrations, which have been held nationwide in recent months since the death of George Floyd on May 25.

Further associated demonstrations are possible in the area in the near term. A heightened security presence and localized disruptions are possible in the vicinity of all demonstrations.

Context

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

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