Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler has extended a state of emergency for at least one more night in anticipation of more political protests for racial justice and against police violence.
Two people were arrested Tuesday after a few in a crowd of a hundred or so demonstrators committed acts of vandalism. The protestors were rallying for racial justice and against police violence.
Kenneth Harold, 24, was arrested and charged with one count of first degree criminal mischief. He’s accused of breaking and spray painting the windows of a downtown Starbucks.
Randy Gray, 36, was arrested and charged with assaulting a public safety officer, fourth degree assault, harassment, second degree disorderly conduct and third degree criminal mischief. Police said he is the man seen on several videos from the scene punching a bike officer and then being tackled and repeatedly punched by officers.
Wheeler instituted the state of emergency Tuesday in anticipation of a verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin was convicted of murdering George Floyd last summer — a killing that sparked months of nightly protests in Portland.
A state of emergency allows the mayor and city bureaus to take special steps to guard against violence, including declaring a curfew and closing streets and public facilities.