In our second story on the fallout from the Rittenhouse case, we are reporting about 200 protesters in downtown Portland. The Black Lives Matter flags flew as protestors blocked SW 2nd and Main, chanting anti-racist and anti-racist police slogans. The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office declared the it a riot when the gate to the Justice Center detention area was damaged.
Protesters began tearing down fencing and construction signs to use as street barricades, banging on the doors and yelling anti-racist chants. Deputies rushed the demonstrators, got the gate closed and then went back inside once the gate was secured. By 11 p.m., the crowd of 200 had broken up and largely dispersed.
Local KOIN news stated, “protesters broke windows, threw objects at police and talked about burning down the Justice Center.” Fires burned in the streets during protests after the “not guilty” verdict was announced in the trial of Kyle Rittenhouse, in Portland, Oregon, U.S., November 19, 2021. Videos posted on social media show police and protesters clashing in Portland, with protesters chanting “ Kyle is a terrorist.”
Police used loudspeakers to tell the crowd to disperse or risk arrest or subject to force – including pepper spray and impact weapons. At least one person was arrested and over 17 citations given which included cars driving away. Portland has a long history of protesters fighting against government racism and abuse.
