Man Who Pulled Gun on Protest Pleads Not Guilty

A man who pulled a gun on a group of protesters in downtown Portland last month has pleaded not guilty to 21 charges of menacing, disorderly conduct, and unlawful use of a weapon.

Michael Strickland, who was indicted earlier this week, was seen waving a Glock at people who had gathered to protest the police shootings of two black men.

His lawyer entered the plea on his behalf.

An officer testified to the grand jury that he was at the protest when people started running by him shouting that a man had a gun.

Strickland was quickly arrested.

People discovered that he had a loaded handgun, a round already in the chamber, as well as five other magazines of ammunition.

Strickland's lawyer has argued that his client is an independent journalist who has a right to protect himself.

Strickland is due back in court on September 23. A settlement conference in October.

He was released from jail on July 19th after posting $25,000 bond.