The Portland Police Bureau would like to inform the public there is a demonstration and counter-demonstration planned for Saturday, August 4, 2018, in the area of Tom McCall Waterfront Park, located at 1020 Southwest Naito Parkway. The demonstration is scheduled to begin at approximately 10:30 a.m.
The demonstration will likely take place between Southwest Salmon Street and Southwest Morrison Street at Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
The intent of law enforcement is to provide a safe environment for all participants, non-participants, and community members while ensuring the peaceful exercise of the First Amendment.
There will be a significant law enforcement presence in the area of the demonstration due to past threats and acts of violence. Persons attending any of the events should not bring any weapons or items that can be used as weapons to any of the events.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler issued the following statement:
“There are many planning to attend demonstrations this weekend at Waterfront Park. I continue to strongly reject the idea that violence or hate speech are legitimate means to a political end. Chief Outlaw and I have serious concerns about the potential for violence at this weekend’s demonstrations. It is particularly troubling to me that individuals are posting publicly their intent to act out violently. We don’t want this here. The Police Bureau has put forth significant effort into preparing for tomorrow’s demonstration and will do their best to provide a safe environment.“Chief Outlaw will be in command of the Portland Police Bureau’s response for Saturday’s demonstrations. I have complete confidence in her leadership and the Police Bureau’s ability to appropriately manage this challenging situation.”
In an attempt to further minimize risks of injury and increase safety, weapon screening locations will be stationed at entrances to Tom McCall Waterfront Park on Saturday around the demonstration area and Explosive Detection Canines will be present prior to and at the event. Prohibited items may be temporarily or permanently seized by police, if in violation of city, state or federal law.
PPB wants to remind the public of the following city codes and Oregon Revised Statues:
- Per Portland City Code, it is unlawful to carry a loaded firearm in public unless you have a valid Oregon concealed handgun license or as specified in the code. See https://www.portlandoregon.gov/citycode/article/332592
- The City of Portland has specific conduct rules and laws that apply to parks: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/citycode/?c=28627 including a specific prohibition on the possession of weapons in parks: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/citycode/article/641629
- Oregon has NO concealed handgun license reciprocity with any other state, and it is a crime to carry a concealed handgun in Oregon unless you have and present for inspection a valid OREGON concealed handgun license (Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 166.250 and ORS 166.291: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors166.html
Incidents that threaten life, safety or property will be investigated thoroughly. People who participate in illegal behavior, including acts of physical violence, will be subject to immediate arrest or citation on Saturday or at a later time after additional investigation has occurred. People near others who are preparing to or in the act of committing criminal behavior are encouraged to separate themselves from the group and notify police.
The Police Bureau encourages road users to be aware of the potential for traffic interruptions and to plan for alternate routes in and around Downtown Portland on Saturday. Unpermitted marchers should remain on sidewalks and obey traffic laws.
The Bureau has been collaborating with law enforcement and public safety partners to ensure that public safety is the top priority for all participants and community members.
The Portland Police Bureau intends to share pertinent information with the community on the day of the events through its main Twitter account: @PortlandPolice
The Portland Police Bureau's Directive, 0635.10 Crowd Management/Crowd Control can be found at: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/article/649358
Life-threatening emergencies should be reported to 9-1-1. Call 9-1-1 if you can; text 9-1-1 if you can't. Texts to 9-1-1 cannot include emoticons, emoji's, pictures, or videos.
Anyone with information about criminal behavior being planned prior to this event, or observes criminal behavior during this event, or learns of it after this event, is asked to share it by email to CrimeTips@portlandoregon.gov; or, anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Oregon by texting CRIMES (274637) - Type 823HELP, followed by the tip; online at http://crimestoppersoforegon.com/submit_online_tip.php or by calling 503-823-HELP (4357).
Source: Portland Police Bureau