Think Out Loud

Portland protesters continue to push to defund police

By Samantha Matsumoto (OPB)
July 31, 2020 4:09 p.m.

Broadcast on "Think Out Loud" Friday, July 31.

Protesters gathered in front of the Multnomah County Justice Center and the federal courthouse on day 63 of protests against systemic racism and police violence. It was the first night in more than three weeks that federal officers were not present.

Protesters gathered in front of the Multnomah County Justice Center and the federal courthouse on day 63 of protests against systemic racism and police violence. It was the first night in more than three weeks that federal officers were not present.

Jonathan Levinson / Jonathan Levinson

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For the first time in more than three weeks, federal law enforcement officers were not present at Thursday night’s protests in Portland. Portland activist and hip-hop journalist Mac Smiff has been out at the protests against police violence and systemic racism nearly every night since they began more than two months ago. He tells us how the presence of federal officers changed the protests and what comes next for him if they leave the city.

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