Windows smashed at Democratic Party of Oregon building in Northeast Portland; 8 people arrested
The group responsible for the vandalism was marching through Northeast Portland. There were at least 100 people, many dressed in all black.
Author: KGW Staff
Published: 3:20 PM PST January 20, 2021
Updated: 6:54 PM PST January 20, 2021
Windows smashed at Democratic Party of Oregon building in Northeast Portland
Warning: Videos may contain graphic language
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Far-left, anti-police demonstrators smashed windows at the Democratic Party of Oregon building in Northeast Portland Wednesday afternoon. The vandalism took place just hours following President Joe Biden's inauguration.
The group responsible for the damage marched through parts of Southeast and Northeast Portland. They first gathered at 2 p.m. at Revolution Hall in Southeast Portland, where they were met by police officers on bikes.
The crowd took to the streets about an hour later. There were at least 100 people, many dressed in all black. Marchers held banners that had various messages including "We are ungovernable" and "A new world from the ashes."
Eight people were arrested in connection with the demonstration, according to Portland police. Their charges ranged from criminal mischief, to possession of a destructive device, to riot, to reckless burning, police said. Some of the charges were tied to the damage at the Democratic Party of Oregon headquarters.
The crowd splintered following the police response to the vandalism.
Repairs were being made to the building just a couple hours after the vandalism. The Democratic Party of Oregon released a statement saying in part, "This is not the first time our building has been vandalized during the past year – none of the prior incidents have deterred us from our important work to elect Democrats up and down the ballot, and this one will be no different."
Demonstrators march, vandalize Northeast Portland building after Biden's inauguration
1/7
Dave Killen/The Oregonian via AP
A group of protesters carrying anti-President Joe Biden and anti-police signs marched in the streets and tagged and smashed windows at the Democratic Party of Oregon headquarters during the J20 March, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in southeast Portland, Ore. (Dave Killen/The Oregonian via AP)
Other demonstrations are planned in Portland Wednesday night.
On Tuesday, Portland police said there were
no known active threats in the city on Inauguration Day. Police Chief Chuck Lovell said officers would be monitoring several potential direct-action marches in the city and that any criminal activity "will be addressed as swiftly as resources allow."