Portland police arrest 100 protesters

Portland police arrested roughly 100 protesters Friday night amid a new wave of protests in the city. 

Police said Saturday that the group began marching at roughly 9 p.m. local time and that some began smashing windows in the area roughly 15 minutes later. Protesters began throwing rocks and beer cans at law enforcement once police formed a perimeter, and officers deployed pepper spray to disperse the crowd. 

“A police perimeter has been set up around a group. To everyone inside the perimeter: you are being detained for investigation of a crime. You are not free to leave. You must stay where you are and comply with officers’ lawful orders,” police warned as the clashes occurred.

A police perimeter has been set up around a group. To everyone inside the perimeter: you are being detained for investigation of a crime. You are not free to leave. You must stay where you are and comply with officers’ lawful orders. (continued)

— Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) March 13, 2021

Of those arrested, 13 people were charged, including two people who were carrying firearms and wearing body armor and helmets.

Friday’s demonstration marked the second consecutive night of protests, which have largely focused on the presence of Department of Homeland Security officers at the Federal Courthouse in downtown Portland.

Violence has spiked in the city after it experienced a lull in demonstrations since last summer, when demonstrations against police violence against people of color swept through the city. Those protests were sparked by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler (D) said Friday he’s asking the city council for a one-time $2 million fund for police patrols in order to combat the rise in demonstrations.