UPDATE (Aug. 15, 2:38 p.m. PT) — The Multnomah County district attorney's office has filed criminal charges against Joey Gibson, the leader of Vancouver-based Patriot Prayer.
Patriot Prayer is a far-right group that attracts white supremacists and has engaged in violence.
Gibson told conservative talk show host Lars Larson Thursday he believes he was unjustly targeted by the Multnomah district attorney in the lead up to anticipated demonstrations in downtown Portland on Saturday, which are expected to attract far-right figures from across the country.
"Obviously, they’re going to say I can’t participate in any protests in Portland," he said.
Gibson wrote on his Facebook page that he is planning to turn himself over to authorities.
Gibson's attorney, James Buchal, said the arrest warrant is related to a fight that took place at Portland cidery Cider Riot on May 1. Gibson is being charged with rioting.
A 2017 file photo of Patriot Prayer leader Joey Gibson addressing a crowd at a rally and holding a moment of silence for the victims of the Portland MAX train stabbings.
Bryan M. Vance / OPB
Buchal disputes the charges.
“There are multiple videos of the events at Cider Riot, and not one of them shows Mr. Gibson engaging in violent conduct,” he said.
Portland police have arrested several people in recent days in connection to the incident.
This story will be updated.
