'We believe in Portlanders': Downtown businesses brace for election protests
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Election results are still pouring in, and parts of downtown Portland remain shrouded in a sheet of plywood as businesses brace for a potential political fallout in the form of protests and civil unrest.
On Election Night, a small group of protestors gathered in Chapman Square — but the city didn't see any destruction or damage. Portland police say they are hoping to keep it that way.
"No way, shape, or form is this considered to be success; 'We're done, we're packing up, we're going home, it's all gone back to normal.' We're going to remain vigilant,” Police Chief Bob Day said during a press conference Wednesday.
Police are monitoring potential protests on social media, including flyers calling people to Pioneer Courthouse Square on Wednesday evening.
Authorities have said they support the right to protest peacefully, but they also doubled down on their promise to arrest and prosecute bad actors. In preparation, PPB will monitor potential protests and extend their patrol hours — even adding Oregon State Police support through the weekend.
"Right now, we are situated in the best possible way with all available resources prepared to respond,” Chief Day said. “I think we've demonstrated to the community our commitment to them and to one another for this safe season."
But with much of downtown boarded up, Lannie Kali with the Midtown Beer Garden expects protests but not necessarily destruction.
“We believe in Portlanders, and we think that we'll be safe, but we have taken precautions,” Kali said.
The pod plans to temporarily close down their 27 food carts should things get violent, though it comes as a cost to local business.
"These small carts here support people's entire families, so even a pausing of business is difficult for folks,” Kali said.
Meanwhile, Woonwinkel owner Kristin Van Buskirk said, "I was actually a little surprised to see so many boards. There are many, many more businesses that aren't boarded up. And I think that it reflects a lot of things."
Buskirk said she hopes the city can maintain the progress made since the violent protests seen during the last two presidential election cycles.
"If there are problems, it's not great for Portland right now,” she said. “We've worked so hard to come back from 2020."
Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue our coverage.