Portland Mayor Asks Public Help in Identifying Violent Protesters as Riots Continue to Occur
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler sought the help of his constituents in assisting the authorities to stop the violent protests that continue in the city. Wheeler asked the public's help on Friday in identifying the members of the "anarchist mob" who have participated in vandalism and violence in Portland, Fox News reported.
The said violent protests have damaged the city since the Black Lives Matter Riots have erupted last spring, New York Post noted. Apart from the call for the public's participation, Wheeler also announced that the city would extend its state of emergency on Monday.
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Portland Mayor Asking the Public to Help Authorities
Portland has contended with months of violent demonstrations and clashes since the death of George Floyd in the previous year.
"They want to burn, they want to bash, they want to intimidate, they want to assault," said the Portland mayor. Wheeler also added that like BLM leaders, the community should also stand against the ones responsible for the "criminal intimidation and violence."
Wheeler also mentioned the need of the community to resume their lives. However, "self-described anarchists" are against things opening up and recovering, Mail Online reported.
Meanwhile, the extension of the city's state of emergency happened amid concerns of the potential unrest, following the trial of Derek Chauvin, the law enforcement officer from Minneapolis who was found guilty on all charges of death against George Floyd.
"Together we can make a stand," said Ted Wheeler while asking for the help of the public in taking the city back.
The news conference that happened on Friday also unveiled the Portland Mayor's support on using all legal strategies in stopping violent protesters. One of these methods is "kettling" in which officers will surround a crowd and keep them in a particular area.
"Our job is to unmask them, arrest them, and prosecute them," Wheeler said pertaining to the violent protesters who wreak havoc in their city. The city mayor also encouraged anyone who has information to contact the police.
Portland and the Violent Protesters
Mail Online shared that photos have surfaced showing officers emerging from clouds of tear gas while people dressed in black throwing fireworks at officers and rows of businesses.
Also on Friday, a riot has sparked that included fires and gunshots. Broken windows were reported at the First Christian Church along with anti-police graffiti at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
In the previous month, a protest turned violent in the city's Pearl District when police used the controversial "kettling" method. About 100 people were reported to march through the area while smashing windows and barricading the street using chairs and tables from outdoor dining areas.
Another incident broke out on a Monday night where protesters nearly caused $20,000 worth of damage to a local Boys and Girls Club. Over the summer, demonstrations were held for more than 100 straight days.
Meanwhile, Fox News noted that two people were arrested by the authorities when protesters began damaging buildings in the northeast part of Portland. The riot happened hours within Ted Wheeler's public plea.
READ MORE: No Legal Charges for Arrested Portland Protesters Under New Policy
WATCH: Portland Police declare riot in Northwest Portland - from KOIN 6
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