When claimed Antifa members stormed a Saturday campaign event near police headquarters in downtown Portland, the resource-strapped Portland Police Bureau (PPB) reportedly waited more than 20 minutes to arrive.
According to police, the black-clad protestors had already dispersed after launching smoke grenades, paint-filled balloons, and fireworks by the time cops had enough resources to set up a crime scene between Southwest 3rd and Main Street. According to authorities, mortars injured two people.
The gathering in favor of Republican gubernatorial candidate Stan Pulliam, whose platform includes reimbursing the police, was curtailed short due to the demonstrators’ violence.
This is what happens when a Republican dares to hold an event in Portland to talk about funding our police. Antifa shows up. Well we won’t be intimidated and stop speaking the truth. #WarOnWoke #orpol #orgov pic.twitter.com/tBRiHMao7W
— Mayor Stan Pulliam (@StanPulliam) April 30, 2022
“This is what happens when a Republican dares to conduct a town hall meeting in Portland to discuss police budget. “Antifa arrives,” Pulliam tweeted, alongside video of the encounter.
Pulliam also alleged that the underpaid cops failed to arrive in time to protect our right to free expression.
Pulliam told the media after the event that what he and his supporters went through was similar to what neighbors in the Portland community go through on a regular basis.
More footage from PDX as Antifa attacked our campaign supporters. No surprise…underfunded police didn't show in time to allow our free speech. #FundThePolice #WarOnWoke #orpol #orgov (1/2) pic.twitter.com/nWiFzIec1Y
— Mayor Stan Pulliam (@StanPulliam) April 30, 2022
The gathering in favor of Republican gubernatorial candidate Stan Pulliam, whose platform includes reimbursing the police, was curtailed short due to the demonstrators’ violence.
“This is what happens when a Republican dares to conduct a town hall meeting in Portland to discuss police budget. “Antifa arrives,” Pulliam tweeted, alongside video of the encounter.
Pulliam also alleged that the underpaid cops failed to arrive in time to protect our right to free expression.
Pulliam told the media after the event that what he and his supporters went through was similar to what neighbors in the Portland community go through on a regular basis.
The incident occurred on the same day that PPB issued a second statement describing Friday night and Saturday as an extremely busy evening of significant events that strained our resources. Within a 12-hour period, there were five gunshots, three catastrophic collisions, and one stolen ambulance.
While a protest convoy moving through Portland was met by a group of counter-demonstrators, officers responded to a complaint regarding guns fired and individuals hurling stuff from a bridge.
Due to a lack of manpower, Portland citizens dialing 911 are sometimes placed on wait for hours during nighttime peak times, forcing police to prioritize calls based on severity.
In time for publication, neither PPB nor Democratic Mayor Ted Wheeler’s office replied to a request for comment.
