Crime & Safety
Free Speech Demonstrations Planned In Portland This Weekend
Most demonstrations will be held downtown, while some will also occur in the greater Portland area. Police advise caution.
PORTLAND, OR — The Police Bureau on Thursday announced its anticipation of multiple free speech demonstrations taking place around the city Saturday, encouraging commuters and residents to be aware in case there are any disruptions to transit or general law and order.
While some demonstrations are scheduled for other parts of the greater Portland area, police expect most events to affect roads, parks, and transit within the downtown corridor. TriMet riders should keep an eye on TriMet's service alerts, available through its website, throughout the day for any changes.
From the Portland Police Bureau:
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While most people attending these events will participate in peaceful behavior, the Police Bureau recognizes it has a responsibility to attempt to ensure all community members are able to safely practice their Constitutional right to free speech and assembly.
The Police Bureau's goal is to help facilitate peaceful events and to prevent criminal behavior from happening. The safety of participants and community members is the Police Bureau's top priority. Everyone attending the various protest events are encouraged to obey all laws and be respectful of others who are using city streets, freeways and mass transit. Marching into and blocking streets without a permit is illegal and dangerous to protesters as well as road users and has a significantly negative impact to our community.
People should not bring any weapons (firearms, knives, etc.) or items that can be used as weapons (sticks, bats, poles, rocks, fireworks/incendiary devices, etc.) to any of the events. Prohibited items may be seized by police and, if in violation of city, state or federal law, the possessor may be arrested and charged criminally.
Rules and laws that apply to parks can be found on the city's website.
No criminal behavior or violent aggression will be tolerated, police officials said, noting anyone participating in the demonstrations who are found to have behaved inappropriately are still subject to arrest after the event has concluded.
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Anyone who witnesses criminal behavior is encouraged to immediately notify law enforcement by texting 274637, calling 503-823-4357, or submitting a tip online.
Updates will be provided as needed throughout the day on the Bureau's Twitter account, @portlandpolice.
Image via Travis Loose, Patch
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