Feature your business, services, products, events & news. Submit Website.
Breaking Top Featured Content:
Live Updates: Protesting Police Brutality in Portland on Wednesday, June 10
FINAL UPDATE 12:40 AM: “The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long.” Fare the well, sweet Portland Autonomous Zone.
The fence, in what was looking briefly like the beginnings of an autonomous zone, is now abanonded. A shorter life than the city hall wall. pic.twitter.com/OjILjPB0CT
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) June 11, 2020
Meanwhile here’s what the Autonomous Zone in Seattle is currently looking like. (Why can’t we have nice things??)
Are these the terrorists you are talking about @realDonaldTrump ?
If so, sign me up.#seattle #chaz #capitolhillautonomouszone #freecapitolhill #blm pic.twitter.com/7ePklxXOod
— Exiled (@Papa_Cody) June 11, 2020
The crowd in front of the Justice Center is quickly dwindling, and so we’re calling it a night. To recap: The evening started with inspiring marches and speeches (and the inclusion of new events such as a bike ride and skateboard protest), and ended as it usually did in front of the Justice Center. Other than the dismantling of part of the Sacred Fence™ in front of the Federal Courthouse which was carried down the street and turned into an oh-so-temporary autonomous zone, which upset the cops enough to shoot pepper balls into the crowd randomly, it was the third calm night in a row. The moral we can take home tonight is that PROTESTS WORK. (Especially when paired with the threat of removing the majority of a police department’s funding.) Thanks for joining us, as always, and we’ll see YOU tomorrow!
UPDATE 12:15 AM: Happy Thursday, everybody! Such disrespect for The Fence™.
another PPB warning of use of force as people lean on fence, throw water bottles at it pic.twitter.com/qXNw3ay0Hv
— Blair Stenvick 🏳️🌈 (@BlairStenvick) June 11, 2020
PPB loudspeaker reminding everyone not to breach the fence and enter 3rd ave between main and Madison (aka the area behind the fence). Still not seeing anyone trying to do that, and I’m standing quite close. Everyone’s just standing around waiting for something to happen.
— Tuck Woodstock (@tuckwoodstock) June 11, 2020
Would you like some pepper with your dance party?
Dance party right next to fence, yards from where police are peppering crowd occasionally pic.twitter.com/ZmyZYoiumy
— Molly Harbarger (@MollyHarbarger) June 11, 2020
It seems like the crowd is gradually getting smaller. Still looks like a couple hundred thought pic.twitter.com/75weHJULqT
— Blair Stenvick 🏳️🌈 (@BlairStenvick) June 11, 2020
And because you may (probably, most likely, almost certainly) will need it tonight… A SHORT FLASHBANG TUTORIAL.
Here’s a short thread on what to do if flashbangs are coming.
— Emily of the State (@EmilyGorcenski) June 11, 2020
UPDATE MIDNIGHT: Tensions are high at the fence—but currently it’s a standoff.
Context: Portland police are warning of “crowd control” munitions. A federal court has restricted PBB from deploying tear gas unless it is for “life saving” measures. pic.twitter.com/dZEw85WzMI
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) June 11, 2020
A demonstrator just climbed under the fence and into the prohibited area. Police responded with some sort of crowd control munition. The demonstrator retreated.
— Mike Benner (@MikeBennerKGW) June 11, 2020
Even more context: Multnomah County Sheriff has had… what… two weeks to move everyone out of this building, and yet? https://t.co/2N5WXg7LrM
— Portland Mercury 🗞 (@portlandmercury) June 11, 2020
Autonomous zone already almost abandoned. Long live the autonomous zone. pic.twitter.com/pKdGXGtUfB
— Tuck Woodstock (@tuckwoodstock) June 11, 2020
Welcome to the revolution, comrades.
Oregonian capitalizing The Fence, that means they’re antifa now https://t.co/meT5bWRegn
— Blair Stenvick 🏳️🌈 (@BlairStenvick) June 11, 2020
UPDATE 11:45 PM: Apparently protesters need some more fence for their new fence down the street. From the police livestream:
Yep, the police did not like that.
Pepper balls and flash bangs have been used. Protestors are getting ready for further police response pic.twitter.com/hKVQaooBd3
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) June 11, 2020
Someone brought down a piece of justice center fence. Flash bangs. pic.twitter.com/rV2hXIoOqB
— Blair Stenvick 🏳️🌈 (@BlairStenvick) June 11, 2020
Police are saying that anyone in autonomous zone (?) are are subject to arrest if they stay. Let me be clear, they are moving a fence and dancing and that’s pretty much it.
— Blair Stenvick 🏳️🌈 (@BlairStenvick) June 11, 2020
And yet?
The area inside the fence on SW 3rd Ave, between SW Main St and SW Madison St is closed. You are subject to arrest if you enter this area.
— Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) June 11, 2020
Protestors at the fence, tensions High pic.twitter.com/ESS6HqBO8a
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) June 11, 2020
Protesters don’t seem intent on breaching THE FENCE™—even where it’s down.
UPDATE 11:30 PM: When they tore down the fence and dragged it down the street, at first I wasn’t sure… but you know what? Fencing can really pull a room together.
Fencing just moved across the salmon and 3rd intersection pic.twitter.com/M9LKcKQ4Lg
— Blair Stenvick 🏳️🌈 (@BlairStenvick) June 11, 2020
The courthouse, stripped of its fence pic.twitter.com/0ARcEelle1
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) June 11, 2020
#portlandprotest day 13: the beginnings..of..an autonomous zone ? pic.twitter.com/MN6aNk8yf5
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) June 11, 2020
Are they talking about Fence Jr.?
There is criminal activity occurring at SW 1st Ave and SW Salmon St. There is also Criminal activity occurring at the Justice Center fence line. If you are a non-violent demonstrator we are encouraging you to leave now.
— Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) June 11, 2020
PPB says there’s criminal activity occurring in crowd, tells nonviolent demonstrator to leave. They sound not pleased by the new fence!
— Blair Stenvick 🏳️🌈 (@BlairStenvick) June 11, 2020
Zone vibe check: pic.twitter.com/dA8v4OSEEl
— Blair Stenvick 🏳️🌈 (@BlairStenvick) June 11, 2020
UPDATE 11:15 PM: Protesters have raced off with part of the Sacred Fence™ and… ohhhhh… so this is how an autonomous zone is created….
Protesters are setting up their own fencing at 3rd and salmon. Just heard someone yelling “autonomous zone!” pic.twitter.com/S0eipuDVDG
— Blair Stenvick 🏳️🌈 (@BlairStenvick) June 11, 2020
Some protestors have repurposed some of the fencing from the courthouse pic.twitter.com/AhWSrqTCs3
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) June 11, 2020
Lol they’re stabilizing the fencing with duct tape pic.twitter.com/mi9s1ALlUM
— Blair Stenvick 🏳️🌈 (@BlairStenvick) June 11, 2020
In the absence of Timbers games this was predictable. #PDXAutonomousZone https://t.co/SvWd3GaoHL
— Zakir Khan (@Muzzakh) June 11, 2020
And YAAAAAYYY! The police livestream is up! Follow it for yourself here.
UPDATE 11:00 PM: HEYYYYYY… WHO DARES CUT THE SACRED FENCE™?
There are people in the group cutting the fence. Please do not tamper with or cut the fence. We have no intent to engage this group.
— Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) June 11, 2020
First PPB announcement of the night at the fence just now: “please do not tamper with the fence. We will not attempt to engage with the crowd.” People respond with “quit your job!”
— Blair Stenvick 🏳️🌈 (@BlairStenvick) June 11, 2020
Someone knocked down a piece of the fence pic.twitter.com/WBz2i4Lbfb
— Blair Stenvick 🏳️🌈 (@BlairStenvick) June 11, 2020
Protester on a loudspeaker: “if you cared about Black people as much as you care about this fucking fence, we wouldn’t be here.” The crowd laughs.
— Tuck Woodstock (@tuckwoodstock) June 11, 2020
It feels like the crowd here has grown a lot even in the last half hour. Around 400 people total by my guess? pic.twitter.com/49VIsxz2r1
— Blair Stenvick 🏳️🌈 (@BlairStenvick) June 11, 2020
Aaaaaand here come the munitions threats! Right on time. (Set your clocks everybody!)
People in the group are throwing projectiles over the fence. Do not tamper with or cut the fence. Do not throw projectiles over the fence. If you do, yo will be subject to arrest and use of force, to include crowd control munitions.
— Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) June 11, 2020
Meanwhile, here’s some champion protesting right here:
The words ‘I CAN’T BREATHE’ and the time of ‘8:46’ are being projected onto two downtown Portland buildings. ‘I CAN’T BREATHE’ is on the side of the federal courthouse. pic.twitter.com/zkgzZRgd3t
— Lincoln Graves (@LincolnGraves) June 11, 2020
UPDATE 10:30 PM: We’re solidly in the mid-evening doldrums, the hour when nothing could happen and everything could happen. So let’s check in on those paper airplanes that protesters are sending over THE FENCE™.
Some airplanes have made it over. We have yet to hear a PPB announcement about throwing things over the fence… pic.twitter.com/U5a6F35x5d
— Blair Stenvick 🏳️🌈 (@BlairStenvick) June 11, 2020
At The Fence now, chanting is picking up a little but things are still very mellow compared to other nights I’ve been here. pic.twitter.com/u0Y5qz3QrP
— Blair Stenvick 🏳️🌈 (@BlairStenvick) June 11, 2020
A Justice Center mystery:
There was a “free shield” sign next to a Captain America shield. I looked away for a minute, and when I looked back, the shield was gone. 👀 pic.twitter.com/xD3aVzlHCF
— Tuck Woodstock (@tuckwoodstock) June 11, 2020
Here’s the perfect thing to meditate on during the 10:30 doldrums:
How about a little art break to take your mind off things?
Here’s “DO NOT DAMAGE THE FENCE!!!!!” by Albert Beaumont-Wilshire, 1813, Red chalk, 248 x 179 mm (Oregon Historical Society Collection) pic.twitter.com/UAhEF1mr0w
— Ancient Portland (@AncientPortland) June 11, 2020
Look, I’m in favor of a Portland “autonomous zone” as the next Antifa, but…
Tell them the zoo is a terrible idea. https://t.co/72eFj1P78v
— Portland Mercury 🗞 (@portlandmercury) June 11, 2020
And in case you were wondering…
Protests fucking work https://t.co/lkivlgnBJl
— Kevin Nguyen (@knguyen) June 11, 2020
Meanwhile, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Twitter delivering a Trump bodyslam.
A man who is totally incapable of governing should stay out of Washington state’s business. “Stoop” tweeting. https://t.co/O6i04qmZ9v
— Jay Inslee (@JayInslee) June 11, 2020
UPDATE 10 PM: Speaking truth in Unthank Park.
Speaker: learning a flawed history in school “white progressives didn’t give me my freedom, I was born free. You can’t gift somebody something which was never yours in the first place” pic.twitter.com/7xB0ORTXE7
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) June 11, 2020
Speaker: says she was teenager when police aimed shotguns at her, froze in fear, “anybody would, I don’t care who you are” pic.twitter.com/QS5FbivlBn
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) June 11, 2020
“Your system has forced us, through coercion and manipulation, put us in competition against each other, with the earth itself” pic.twitter.com/ZCSwovAwmU
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) June 11, 2020
At the Justice Center, a new tactic from these very creative minds.
People are making paper airplanes, presumably to fly over the fence. They’re a template resignation letter for PPB officers. “I no longer feel safe with this violence as my livelihood.” pic.twitter.com/oekw6pSwTW
— Blair Stenvick 🏳️🌈 (@BlairStenvick) June 11, 2020
And now, also for those at the Justice Center, a PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT from Mercury contributor, Tuck Woodstock.
Someone is fully handing out kazoos. Y’all, don’t put your mouth on those; there’s a PANDEMIC.
— Tuck Woodstock (@tuckwoodstock) June 11, 2020
Meanwhile in Oakland:
A crowd of thousands is marching through Oakland right now, more than 2 miles through the flatlands and up the hill toward what they believe wiill be the home of Oakland Mayor @LibbySchaaf to demand in person the defunding of the police department. pic.twitter.com/lie3IilEVZ
— Joe Vazquez (@joenewsman) June 11, 2020
UPDATE 9:30 PM: Sergio has some good video of speeches from tonight’s protest at Unthank Park—about how the area has been gentrified.
Portland demonstrations 9pm, 10mins live https://t.co/BaK0k7K9JQ
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) June 11, 2020
Meanwhile at the Justice Center, followers are flocking to… THE FENCE™.
From fence we left an to fence we shall return pic.twitter.com/wjBupx3ju2
— Blair Stenvick 🏳️🌈 (@BlairStenvick) June 11, 2020
First cops in riot gear appear behind fence (they may or may not be visible here!) people chant “hands up don’t shoot” pic.twitter.com/vyzrfd59wz
— Blair Stenvick 🏳️🌈 (@BlairStenvick) June 11, 2020
And the news of Seattle’s Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone is spreading like wildfire.
President Trump renewed his threat to take federal action against local protesters, telling government officials that they needed to crack down on demonstrators in Seattle. “If you don’t do it, I will. This is not a game,” Trump wrote in a tweet. https://t.co/6SYXuz8WOj
— The New York Times (@nytimes) June 11, 2020
Here’s actual video of those Socialist Anarchist CHAZ terrorists in action! GRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING!!!!
Lots of street fair energy at #CHAZ today pic.twitter.com/QL8Uow8XQg
— Rich Smith (@richsssmith) June 11, 2020
UPDATE 9 PM: A huge crowd of marchers arrive in Unthank Park after a long stroll from Revolution Hall.
Demonstrators are arriving at Unthank park pic.twitter.com/nM2TfXiLpG
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) June 11, 2020
And here’s something you don’t see every day at protests.
There are also CBD chocolates pic.twitter.com/Mk5EHLGuOq
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) June 11, 2020
SIGNAL BOOST: Is this your wallet?
If you lost your wallet at the #portlandprotest this evening….check with the BBQ tent. pic.twitter.com/0PjDj5gOYI
— Lesley McL (@Human42LM) June 11, 2020
Okay, this is fucking infuriating (at the Black Girls Do Bike ride).
Peaceful ride broken a bit by an asshole in a new white Audi sportscar who drive into crowd of riders at N Jessup and N Michigan. No one hurt but some anger & frazzled nerves as some nearby resident defends driver. We know his license plate, where he lives, and name.
— BikePortland (@BikePortland) June 11, 2020
Meanwhile, back at the Justice Center:
Snippets of overheard conversation:
“We have vegan pizza!”
“My mom got me new protest shoes!”
“Do they really have to turn the lights on? It’s light out, you fuckers!” pic.twitter.com/lxZjH7OYhb
— Blair Stenvick 🏳️🌈 (@BlairStenvick) June 11, 2020
And now… your first warning of the night: DON’T TOUCH THE SACRED FENCE!
Please remember, life safety is PPB’s number one priority. Last night the fence incurred significant damage. Please refrain from damaging the fence. If you damage the fence and enter the closed area, you are subject to arrest. pic.twitter.com/hnQcOxxAyc
— Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) June 11, 2020
Meanwhile in DALLAS, OREGON:
I’ve lived in Dallas, Oregon for 16 years. This is the first political demonstration I’ve witnessed here. #Blacklivesmatter pic.twitter.com/v2GgGuJ469
— Michael Rose (@mrose_nw) June 11, 2020
And in Virginia… it’s official. “Racist down! I repeat, RACIST DOWN!”
Protesters in Richmond have pulled down a statue of Jefferson Davis, the former president of the Confederacy pic.twitter.com/Myl0UfDSNI
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) June 11, 2020
UPDATE 8:30 PM: It took awhile, but Sergio finally found the end of the Rev Hall march!
This is the tail end of the march pic.twitter.com/KMCgLf2p6s
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) June 11, 2020
Meanwhile, back at the Justice Center:
After a brief detour I’m back at the justice center fence. The crowd is starting to pick up. Someone is grilling food tonight! pic.twitter.com/hjQi3e8lo2
— Blair Stenvick 🏳️🌈 (@BlairStenvick) June 11, 2020
A fella was walking through Chapman Park with something that looked & sounded like wind chimes.
These are spent shells shot at protesters, made by a company called SafariLand Group.
He was disturbed by the hunting-related name. “We’re like wild beasts to them.” pic.twitter.com/N4cB0bETLX
— andrewtaylorwilkins (@tweetatwilkins) June 11, 2020
And just after I mentioned it in the last update, look what our dumb president tweeted:
GO BACK TO SLEEP, SUSAN.
UPDATE 8 PM: The Rev Hall gang is making terrific time going down Williams toward Unthank Park.
“Hands up, don’t shoot” pic.twitter.com/Yv0tmdFOAF
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) June 11, 2020
Demographic makeup of the protestors? *checks notes* yup, all of them pic.twitter.com/62qRGES8tI
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) June 11, 2020
Meanwhile in Seattle, have you been hearing all the hullabaloo about the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (AKA CHAZ)? It’s a six block area on Cap Hill that has no police presence—AND I WANT ONE OF MY OWN!
When police retreated from Seattle’s Capitol Hill, some people expected chaos.
Instead the new autonomous zone has speeches, free food, and people helping one another.
Here’s a look inside the Capital Hill Autonomous Zone #CHAZ
pic.twitter.com/ksByr5bTDg
— Joshua Potash (@JoshuaPotash) June 10, 2020
Getting one of these Black Lives Matter paint jobs here, too. Painters say this is a locally curated project, and that local artists will come back tomorrow to color in each letter. pic.twitter.com/SEdfTc2QF5
— Rich Smith (@richsssmith) June 11, 2020
There’s now a more formal night watch sign-up tent #CHAZ pic.twitter.com/rz8jqlty8R
— Chase Burns in the CHAZ (@chaseburnsy) June 11, 2020
Meanwhile in Virginia (AKA the capitol of the Confederacy):
Richmond: Preliminary reports that the Jefferson Davis statue on Monument Ave is down. Awaiting confirmation.
— Richmond Police (@BeQueerDoCrime) June 11, 2020
UPDATE 7:30 PM: Let’s check in on the Justice Center where our Blair Stenvick is on the scene.
Just arrived at the fence around the Justice Center in downtown Portland. There’s a group of maybe 100 hanging out in the area but the real demonstration probably won’t start for at least an hour. You can also follow @portlandmercury and @MrOlmos for updates tonight. pic.twitter.com/pleo2RyZbG
— Blair Stenvick 🏳️🌈 (@BlairStenvick) June 11, 2020
The Rev Hall gang is BIG tonight.
I went into convenience store to get caffeine, I walk outside and the march is still nowhere near the tail end pic.twitter.com/dc8lt3ZhAY
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) June 11, 2020
Plaid Pantry politics.
At plaid pantry adjacent to march pic.twitter.com/96DQn4dbXF
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) June 11, 2020
Moment of silence, resumption of march “I can’t breathe” pic.twitter.com/EvSWNqZ5pq
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) June 11, 2020
Meanwhile, at the Black Girls Do Bike ride:
“Whose streets? Our streets!” pic.twitter.com/SHrjzCMaKO
— BikePortland (@BikePortland) June 11, 2020
And look! Video from the skateboard protest!
[DefendPDX *Repeater*] See below for information: RT @GodAndBuckeyes: A skateboarding protest in Portland! Very nice creativity Portlanders #PortlandProtests #portland #DefendPDX pic.twitter.com/Sl7VB1gpIU
— #DEFENDPDX™ 🖤 (@defendpdx) June 11, 2020
UPDATE 7:15 PM: Our Sergio Olmos is following the Rev Hall gang (thousands of ’em!) on their march over to Unthank Park.
#portland demonstrations day 13 pic.twitter.com/vpqMMTewDV
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) June 11, 2020
Meanwhile… here’s a fun scene from Irving Park’s bike protest ride.
pic.twitter.com/vCqW01R0fq
— Matt Rashleigh (@Matt_KOIN) June 11, 2020
NEWS BREAK: According to the Oregonian, there are a total of EIGHT lawsuits filed against Portland’s police (so far) “claiming battery and unnecessary use of force” over the past two weeks. Simply put, the city can’t afford too much more of the cops’ violent behavior.
Meanwhile over at City Hall, tons of concerned citizens are STILL testifying about cutting the police budget. Follow ace reporter (and occasional Mercury contributor) Tuck Woodstock for the latest details on that!
Many white people testifying are yielding some or all of their time to BIPOC (Black and Indigenous folks and other people of color), which I believe Commissioner Hardesty requested due to 700+ people signing up to testify.
— Tuck Woodstock (@tuckwoodstock) June 11, 2020
Meanwhile, waaaaay across the country in Boston, another Christopher Columbus statue goes down. This is quite the trend!
Outside the State Capitol in St. Paul, Minnesota, a 10-foot bronze sculpture of Christopher Columbus came toppling down on Wednesday afternoon https://t.co/dLfyRV8Ds6
— The New York Times (@nytimes) June 11, 2020
UPDATE 6:45 PM: Tonight’s demonstrations are a smorgasbord of fun, including the regular kick off at Revolution Hall (with a march to North Portland’s Unthank Park—another site of Portland gentrification), the nightly roundup at the Justice Center, as well as a SKATEBOARD march (skate?) around the Waterfront loop starting at 7 pm, and a bike ride for Justice at Irving Park.
Oh, and if you’re out and about tonight, here’s a place to rest and pee.
Our lobby will be open to offer respite to protesters from 9p to midnight each night through Sunday, 6/14. #BlackLivesMatter #PortlandProtests #PDXProtests #PortlandProtest #OpenYourLobby
— PortlandCenterStage (@PCS_Armory) June 11, 2020
ORIGINAL POST, 6:30 PM: Welcome to the 14th day of protests against police brutality in Portland which, to say the least, has been a roller coaster of action and emotion, with a new surprise around every curve. If you’re just joining us, last week marked almost daily violent reactions from police… until just two nights ago when Police Chief Jami Resch stepped down from her position and was replaced by Chuck Lovell, a Black lieutenant best know for being a Student Resource Officer at Jefferson High. Another sea change in the last two days? An outpouring of cries to defund part or all of the police department’s budget from activists, city council members, political candidates, and to a lesser degree, the mayor himself.
Just to put a finer point on it, the wait time for public testimony today on the city’s police budget was HOURS LONG and practically unanimous: They all wanted the police defunded to the tune of $50 million. A lot of people have skin in this game, and the sustained outrage and calls for change—both locally and nationally—has to be weighing heavily on police brass and how they will respond to nightly protests from here on out.
We shall see, and that’s what we’re here to do. The Mercury has been providing nightly coverage of these protests, particularly focusing on the police and their reactions to citizens exercising their First Amendment rights, and we’re continuing tonight with our Blair Stenvick and videographer extraordinaire Sergio Olmos out in the field. Follow them both on Twitter for minute-to-minute updates, and this live blog for the big picture this evening. I’m Wm. Steven Humphrey, I’ve got a bottle of vodka, and I am FUCKING READY.
Stay tuned for regular updates, and LET’S DO THIS.