US: Protests ongoing in downtown Portland Dec. 31/Jan. 1

Event

Activists are staging disruptive protests near Chapman Square in Portland, Oregon, overnight Dec. 31/Jan. 1. Police have stated that protesters have thrown commercial-grade fireworks at the nearby Federal Courthouse and Justice Center. Protesters have also reportedly broken windows of at least one business in the area. Authorities have warned that any person who does not disperse will be subject to arrest. The primary motive for the protests is unclear.

Clashes are possible if demonstrators do not disperse or engage in additional acts of vandalism. Police may use teargas and other means of force to clear the protests. Disruptions are likely to persist in the affected area over the coming days.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Heed the directives of the authorities. Plan for localized traffic disruptions in downtown Portland through at least the early hours of Jan. 1.