PORTLAND, Ore. — More than 100 protesters were detained and 13 people were arrested Friday night minutes after a demonstration in Portland started.
Shortly after 9 p.m. Portland Police created a perimeter surrounding protesters, using a tactic called kettling, the Oregonian reported.
Police said they were detaining everyone within the perimeter for the “investigation of a crime.” Police said protesters marching in the street were blocking traffic and would be subject to arrest, citation or crowd-dispersing tactics.
“You are not free to leave. You must stay where you are and comply with officers’ lawful orders,” the Portland Police Bureau said on social media.
Protesters were released individually. Police eventually arrested 13 people including one person suspected in window vandalism and two people who were carrying firearms and wearing body armor and helmets, USA Today reported.
Demonstrators left behind a crowbar, hammers, bear spray and knives, police said.
Press Release: March in Pearl District Ends With Property Destruction, Group Detained (Photo)
— Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) March 13, 2021
Link: https://t.co/JMczoNs96E pic.twitter.com/Uj168WKqAf
Mayor Ted Wheeler has decried what he described as a segment of violent agitators who detract from the message of police accountability and should be subject to more severe punishment.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Cox Media Group
