Portland mayor announces directive to end use of CS Gas by police

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler has publicized a directive as Police Commissioner to ban the use of CS Gas against protesters by the Portland Police Bureau.

“We all want to focus on the fundamental issue at hand,” says Mayor Wheeler a video posted Thursday morning. “Justice for Black people, and all people of color.”

“That’s why as Police Commissioner, effective immediately, and until further notice, I am directing the Portland Police Bureau to end the use of CS Gas for crowd control.”

• See also:
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  • Homeland Secretary Wolf calls Portland “the epicenter of crime and chaos”

It has been more than 100 days since daily and nightly protests have taken place in the downtown streets of Portland, as Black Lives Matter supporters gather to voice their demand for equity in the United States.

“It’s time for everyone to reduce the violence in our community,” says Mayor Wheeler in the video.

The mayor doubles down on support of arrests on citizens that are breaking the law but wants law enforcement to seek alternatives for crowd control tactics in situations that involve life-safety concerns. “We need something different. And we need it now.”

“I call on everyone to step up, and tamp down the violence,” concludes Mayor Wheeler. “I’m acting, it’s time for others to join me.”