Police seize multiple weapons from groups in Portland protests
Police in Portland, Ore., have reportedly seized a number of weapons from opposing groups of demonstrators in the city amid a far-right rally in the town attended by a number of white nationalist groups.
A spokesperson for Portland police did not immediately return a request for comment when contacted for comment by The Hill. A department spokeswoman said in a video released on social media that several weapons including metal poles, shields, and bear spray had been confiscated, but gave no information on the number of seized items or any arrests.
#ppbalert #pdxtraffic Portland Police officers have seized weapons from some individuals. We have additional road closures. Naito Parkway is now closed between Morrison and Hawthorne bridges. The Morrison Bridge offramps to Naito are closed.
— Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) August 17, 2019
Officers on the ground and in specialized “sound trucks” with loudspeakers advised demonstrators to clear the roads and obey laws Saturday afternoon as the two groups remained at a distance, exchanging taunts and separated by law enforcement.{mosads}
Police have arrested one person who reportedly stayed in the street after being told to move. pic.twitter.com/R5e5uzoSlR
— The Oregonian (@Oregonian) August 17, 2019
The seizure of some weapons comes as President Trump threatened earlier in the day to designate Antifa groups as a terrorist organization, though it was unclear which groups were responsible for bringing weapons to the demonstration Saturday.
“Major consideration is being given to naming ANTIFA an “ORGANIZATION OF TERROR.” Portland is being watched very closely. Hopefully the Mayor will be able to properly do his job!” Trump tweeted Saturday morning.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.