About 1,000 demonstrators returned to downtown streets Monday for the 61st consecutive day after a weekend featuring the largest protest crowds in weeks and numerous clashes with federal police.
Monday again brought waves of tear gas from federal officials who labeled the gathering “unlawful” in response to repeated fireworks and a volley of trash thrown over a fence surrounding the federal courthouse.
#Portland protesters have shown up every night for two straight months after the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd. Crowds have rallied against police brutality, anti-Black racism and, in recent weeks, the federal government’s response to the city’s protests.
Federal officials have repeatedly said officers who use tear gas and shoot riot munitions on protesters are embedded in the downtown courthouse to protect it. On Monday, officials placed concrete barriers on both sides of the fence surrounding the building to stabilize the structure.
Several people who attended Monday night’s demonstrations called for protesters to stop focusing on the federal courthouse.
The evening began with dozens of people gathered in Lownsdale Square, a city park across the street from the courthouse. Rakeyah Issac, a stay at home mom, passed through the scene with her son. Her family lives near Portland State, several blocks from the protests.
