Portland Police Arrest Over 50 Protesters on 100th Consecutive Night of Protest

There have been several protests going on around cities since the death of George Floyd in late May. However, Portland Police arrested over 50 people during the 100th night of protests on Saturday night.

According to the police, the protesters threw multiple firebombs at officers while protesting, which set one of the community on fire, who was later treated by Portland Fire and then taken to a private hospital vehicle.

The fiery demonstration prompted the police officers to arrest protesters violating the peace of the community.

According to a statement released by Portland Police, the protest began as crowds gathered at Ventura Park and marched at 9 p.m. local time toward East Portland Community Policing Center. Many people in the crowd were holding dangerous instruments; they wore black clothing and protective gear, including helmets, gas masks, and body armor.

“It was clear that the intent of the crowd was not peaceful protest,” police said in a statement.

Portland has had a violent week that involves protests and rioting. Last Saturday, a supporter of a right-wing group was shot and killed in Portland during a day of clashes between pro-Trump groups and left-wing protesters. On Thursday night, authorities shot and killed the man suspected of murder as they moved to arrest him in Washington.

Saturday night’s violent protest did not include any gun violence. Still, police said firebombs exhibited danger to life safety, and they declared a riot and ordered people to vacate the area.

Portland Police said individuals in the crowd began to demonstrate unlaw actions, throwing fireworks and mortars at officers, while others were seen throwing rocks. 

A sergeant was directly struck by a commercial-grade firework, which blazed through his glove and injured his hand. Rocks punched several officers in the head, arms, shoulders, and feet, police said. Officers used tear gas and other crowd-control munitions while also making targeted arrests, police said.

Some people in the crowd were seen lighting dumpsters, garbage cans, and wooden pallets on fire in the streets.

In all, over 50 people were arrested, police said. At least two of those arrested were wearing body armor, one person had a dagger, and another person had a knife.