Portland police arrested about 100 protesters Friday night amid a new wave of protests in the city.
Police said Saturday that the group began marching around 9 p.m., local time, and that some began smashing windows in the area about 15 minutes later. Protesters began throwing rocks and cans of beer at law enforcement as police formed a perimeter and officers deployed pepper spray to disperse the crowd.
“A police perimeter has been created around a group. Everyone inside the perimeter: You are under arrest for a crime investigation. You are not free to leave. You have to stay where you are and obey the lawful orders of the agents “, warned the police while the clashes took place.
A police perimeter has been set up around a group. To anyone inside the perimeter: You are being held for investigation of a crime. You are not free to leave. You must stay where you are and obey the lawful orders of the agents. (continued)
– Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) March 13, 2021
Of those arrested, 13 people were charged, including two people carrying firearms and wearing armor and helmets.
Friday’s rally marked the second night in a row of protests, which have largely focused on the presence of Department of Homeland Security agents at the Federal Courthouse in downtown Portland.
Violence has increased in the city after suffering a lull in protests since last summer, when demonstrations against police violence against people of color swept the city. These protests were sparked by the police assassination of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler (D) said Friday that he is asking the city council for a single $ 2 million fund for police patrols to combat rising protests.