After a day of peaceful protests and vigils for George Floyd, posts shared to social media on Friday show a group of people breaking into Portland’s Justice Center.
The group was recorded throwing computers and hitting windows in the courthouse. Both Black and White protesters are seen in the videos.
#portland justice center pic.twitter.com/cOCaiBR7fX
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) May 30, 2020
Before the Justice Center, footage was captured of protesters peacefully marching and chanting “I can’t breathe,” “say his name, George Floyd,” as well as “hands up, don’t shoot.”
Chant: “I can’t breathe” pic.twitter.com/pOIKIAxleb
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) May 30, 2020
Chant: “say his name, George Floyd” pic.twitter.com/JoiVEDZiuv
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) May 30, 2020
Chant: “Hands up, don’t shoot” pic.twitter.com/2yvybuxeCd
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) May 30, 2020
Following the riot, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler announced a State of Emergency requiring individuals to be home by 8 pm.
I have officially declared a State of Emergency.
Curfew immediately in effect until 6:00 am today.
Resumes Saturday evening at 8:00 pm and lifts 6:00 am Sunday morning.
— Mayor Ted Wheeler (@tedwheeler) May 30, 2020
Floyd’s death has reignited the conversation around racism in the United States and sparked protests across the country against police violence on Black Americans.
In a graphic video posted to social media on May 25, Floyd was heard repeatedly saying that he cannot breathe while Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin held him down with a knee on his neck.
According to an official police statement, Minneapolis police responded to a 911 call reporting a forgery in progress. The officers arrived and located a suspect in a vehicle. They reportedly ordered the suspect out of the vehicle, who then physically resisted the officers.
The officers claim to have handcuffed the suspect and restrained him on the ground while an ambulance was called. He was then transported to Hennepin County Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.
After reviewing the footage taken by bystander Darnella Frazier, many Americans believe that this act by the police was a racial attack — Chauvin has since been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.
Coordinated vigils and protests hit Portland on Friday, as people of all creeds, colors, and backgrounds gathered (in masks) to be heard. Groups started descending on the Justice Center late last night, and more gatherings have continued to occur and grow.
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With files from Wyatt Fossett and Alyssa Therrien.