US: Protests continue in Portland (Oregon) July 20-21 /update 2

Event

Security forces deployed tear gas as protesters gathered in Portland (Oregon) on Monday, July 20, into the early hours of Tuesday, July 21, amid a continuation of anti-police brutality protests. Reportedly, protests began at around 21:00 (local time) when two different protest groups, Wall of Mums and PDXDadPod, marched from the riverfront to Justice Center, where some 300 people had gathered. Reports indicate that by 21:15, 1000 people had joined the demonstration, filling nearby Southwest Third Avenue and a nearby park. By around 23:35, protesters had gathered in large numbers near the Federal Courthouse and at around 00:25 police intervened with smoke grenades and other crowd dispersal munition. Federal officers were reportedly still patrolling the streets as of 02:30 as a crowd was still gathered outside the courthouse. 

Separately, a Black Lives Matter demonstration took place in Southeast Portland on July 20 to honor Shai-India Harris, an 18-year-old who was shot and killed in the area on July 10.

Further protests are likely in the near term. 

Context

On Sunday, July 19 Oregon Mayor Ted Wheeler reportedly renewed his calls for federal troops to leave Portland, after they have attracted controversy over their alleged abusive tactics against demonstrators.

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

Individuals in Portland are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.

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