At least 5 arrested in anti-Trump protest in Portland
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — At least five people were arrested during an anti-Trump protest march through downtown Portland after police spotted vandals spray painting along the route, police officials said early Tuesday night.
KOIN 6 News crews observed hundreds during the initial rally that started around 5 p.m. at the Battleship Oregon Memorial at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. That number dwindled to less than 100 around 7 p.m. as the crowd began to march south on Southwest Naito Parkway, then onto Southwest Morrison.
That's where the arrests took place as more than two dozen police officers and Oregon State Police troopers detained people they saw spray painting and tagging buildings along the route just after 7 p.m.
A police sound truck was used to tell the marchers that officers “witnessed people spray painting along the march route.”
"Arrests are being made due to this criminal behavior. Thank you to those expressing your first amendment rights in a lawful manner. Police intervention will cease when criminal activity stops. Thank you," PPB said.
Two of the people were arrested by PPB. One was 22, the other 29, and both face second-degree criminal mischief. They were also booked for unlawfully applying graffiti, attempted aggravated harassment and possession of a graffiti implement.
The Oregon State Police arrested three people, 19, 31 and 21. All were booked for resisting arrest, two for interfering with a peace officer, one for disorderly conduct and one for criminal mischief.
Cleaning crews were sent to the scene to clean the graffiti almost immediately.
The crowd continued the march for a short time, but largely dispersed soon after the arrests.
The march came one day after the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump in Washington D.C.
Protest organizers said the march was to "resist Trump's fascist agenda."
One of the organizers, Carolyn Pavlovic, said she believes hope has to be associated with action.
"So that's why we're here today, and really hope folks who come out are able to see that taking action," she told KOIN 6 News. "Community is where we can really make real gains, you know, and where we're able to change the culture and society that we're in."
Cody Urban with the International League of People's Struggle said it's going to take a while.
"The energy is also going to be one of longevity. We're in this for the long run, and that's the kind of energy that we want people to walk away with tonight, because this is not just about one demonstration. It's about building a movement and keeping our community safe," Urban said.