Portland police arrested about 100 protesters on Friday night amid a new wave of protests in the city.
Police said Saturday the group began marching around 9 p.m. local time and that some began smashing windows in the area about 15 minutes later. Protesters began throwing stones and beer cans at law enforcement as soon as police formed a perimeter, and officers used pepper spray to disperse the crowd.
A police station has been set up around a group. To everyone in the area: you are being held for investigation into a crime. You are not free to leave. “You have to stay where you are and obey the legal orders of the officers,” police warned when the clashes took place.
A police station has been set up around a group. To everyone in the area: you are being held for investigation into a crime. You are not free to leave. You must stay where you are and obey the legal orders of officers. (prosecute)
– Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) 13 March 2021
Of those arrested, 13 people were charged, including two people who were wearing firearms and an armor and helmets.
Friday’s rally was the second consecutive night of protests, focusing primarily on the presence of Homeland Security officials at the Federal Courthouse in downtown Portland.
Violence has increased in the city after the protests since last summer experienced a lull when protests against police violence against people of color swept through the city. These protests were caused by the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler (D) said on Friday he was asking the city council for a one-time $ 2 million fund for police patrols to curb the increase in protests.