Police plan de-escalation tactics amid ongoing occupation at PSU library
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – As students and non-students continue to occupy the Millar Library at Portland State University, authorities seem to be waiting for the right moment to make their next move.
The Portland Police Bureau said “a tremendous amount of work is being done in the background to find a resolution to this event” – including de-escalation tactics and “numerous attempts to begin a dialogue with the participants.”
However, several of those who occupied the library late Monday night remain inside. When KOIN 6 News reporter Elise Haas entered the library on Tuesday, she found graffiti, broken glass and smashed computers.
“We urge those who genuinely support the cause to clearly reject the criminal, threatening, and destructive tactics used in the takeover of the library, which is distinct from the peaceful protest that preceded it and continues outside,” PPB said in a statement. “Those who choose to remain and engage in these unlawful actions risk arrest and prosecution.”
In an effort to de-escalate, police say they plan to delay action for “a time when conditions are safer.” However, they did ask those in the library to “keep exits clear and refrain from damaging safety infrastructure so that in the event of an emergency exits remain open and operable.”
“We will pursue all efforts at de-escalation, but make no mistake PPB will take appropriate action to do our part to hold individuals and groups accountable for their criminal conduct,” Portland Police Chief Bob Day said.
PPB also addressed a recent rumor that a planned operation had been thwarted by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.
“That rumor is false. District Attorney Mike Schmidt and his team have offered their full support to PPB efforts to resolve the situation,” the agency said. “Should arrests be made, we will continue to work with the DA’s office to ensure cases are effectively investigated and prosecuted whenever possible and appropriate.”
In an announcement on Tuesday, PSU President Ann Cudd requested that Portland police remove the “trespassers” inside the library and called for the immediate end to the standoff.
“Many of us have seen the vandalism to our library and while the cost of property damage cannot compare to the cost of human lives, this destructive protest is weighing heavily on our campus community who collectively pay for our facilities and expect and deserve to use them in a setting that is welcoming to all students,” Cudd said.
Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.