Authorities praised for handling of protests in Portland
Source: Associated Press
Authorities praised for handling of protests in Portland
by GILLIAN FLACCUS
August 19, 2019
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) After previous political rallies that ended in violence, police in Portland, Oregon, earned praise Monday from outside observers for using a natural barrier the citys Willamette River to keep dueling protesters apart during a weekend far-right rally and large counter-demonstration that included a subset of masked and black-clad anti-fascists.
Two of the 13 people arrested Saturday made a first court appearance Monday, while the rest have court dates next month to allow authorities to process reams of evidence, including videos and photos posted on social media, the Multnomah County district attorneys office said in a statement. More arrests may come as those postings are reviewed, authorities said.
As the city returned to normal, Mayor Ted Wheeler called Saturdays dueling demonstrations a win for residents. Oregons top federal prosecutor called the handling of the event a definitive counterpoint for those who on both sides who have criticized police after past protests for favoring one side or the other.
We do not tolerate hate and we do not tolerate violence, Wheeler said. We had a plan, we executed on that plan and on the whole, it was successful.
Amid the praise, however, protesters on both sides declared victory and laid the groundwork for future demonstrations in liberal Portland.
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