US: Police carry out arrests during clashes with protesters in Portland (Oregon) August 22 /update 10

Event

Police arrested at least nine people during clashes with protesters in Portland (Oregon) during the early hours of Saturday, August 22. A group of 200 protesters marched on the North Precinct Community Policing Center and threw projectiles at officers. Police declared the gathering a riot after 01:00 (local time) and two police officers received minor injuries as they moved to disperse the crowd. One protester was also injured during the dispersal operation. The gathering was linked to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) demonstrations, which have been held in Portland and cities 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.