Violence ensued in Portland, Oregon after a pro-Trump caravan drove through a Black Lives Matter protest, leaving 1 dead.
What We Know:
- Black Lives Matter protestors demonstrated for the 90th night last night. Portland has been consistently protesting since May 25, when George Floyd died in police custody in Minneapolis.
- Saturday (Aug. 29th), a Trump rally was held in Clackamas, Oregon. More than 1,000 people gathered in support of President Trump as the 2020 election nears. Following the rally, Trump supporters began to form a caravan that traveled into Portland, Oregon.
- The caravan went through the ongoing Black Lives Matter protest and the encounter soon turned deadly. In videos posted to social media, gunshots can be heard as a man is seen dropping to the ground.
- Portland police have yet to confirm if the shooting was related to the protest. Details of the suspect nor the victim will be immediately released. In a statement made by the Portland Police Bureau, “Portland Police officers heard sounds of gunfire from the area of Southeast 3rd Avenue and Southwest Alder Street. They responded and located a victim with a gunshot wound to the chest. Medical responded and determined that the victim was deceased.”
- An Associated Press Freelance photographer captured a photo of the victim who was reportedly wearing a hat bearing the insignia of Patriot Prayer, a right-wing group.
The big backlash going on in Portland cannot be unexpected after 95 days of watching and incompetent Mayor admit that he has no idea what he is doing. The people of Portland won’t put up with no safety any longer.The Mayor is a FOOL. Bring in the National Guard! https://t.co/bM6ypak94t
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 30, 2020
- President Donald Trump continues to attack Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler (D) following the incident. The president believes Mayor Wheeler should accept federal intervention and bring in the National Guard. However, in an open letter by the Portland Mayor to President Trump on Friday, Wheeler urged the president to keep federal troops away from the city, noting the city could solely handle responding to looting, arson, or vandalism that has taken place.
Tensions continue to rise as Portland goes on its third month of protesting against police brutality and white supremacy.
