Protests for George Floyd escalate in Portland prior to curfew (VIDEOS)

Rebellion, protests, and marches are taking place all over the United States in the wake of the killing of Minneapolis man George Floyd at the hands of the police.

For the second night in a row, Oregonians took to the streets in a peaceful demonstration, and many stood up against Portland Mayor’s declaration of emergency, which instated a curfew in the city beginning at 8 pm on Saturday and lifting at 6 am Sunday.

• See also:
  • Protesters stormed Portland’s Justice Center on Friday night (VIDEOS)
  • Portlandians take to the streets to protest George Floyd’s killing (VIDEOS)
  • Protests over George Floyd death turned violent in Seattle (VIDEOS)

Unfortunately, another night of protests turned violent and unsafe as people clashed with police and one another.

This was my view of the #PortlandProtest. It was very peaceful. Nobody was looting or rioting at all. The police just started shooting unprovoked. pic.twitter.com/a9UaYzHGZR

— Jønathan™🦑 (@J_Overstreet14) May 31, 2020

(1/2) Okay, I need to comment on the #portlandprotest . I live in Portland, the protest was 100% peaceful, there was no destruction or vandalism going on. There was a curfew tonight, the curfew still didn’t take effect for another 45 minutes. The Police came BARGING in with tear

— AestheticGamer aka Dusk Golem (@AestheticGamer1) May 31, 2020

tear gassing even before curfew; no rioting or property damage. the police are instigating #portland #portlandprotest pic.twitter.com/kGiAXmwvAP

— christina (@christlna1) May 31, 2020

From a friend in Portland 😱 #portlandprotest pic.twitter.com/N9OMxMr4WK

— Shazaraelei 🧢🌺💡🦄 🤠 (@shazaraelei) May 31, 2020

In 15 seconds they shot about 6 cans.. #portlandprotest pic.twitter.com/DG1xq1RmAO

— Heidi Hastings (@heidi_hastings) May 31, 2020

I can’t stress this enough the cops initiated the violence, they then through smoke bombs towards me and the news crew I was standing near. #GeorgeFloydprotest #portlandprotest pic.twitter.com/v37gWXD8ge

— Max (@cookingaccident) May 31, 2020

Pepper spray, flash bangs, and tear gas deployed. Brute force is being used. This is insane. #portlandprotest pic.twitter.com/AbEiXdUD3e

— Warren K (@Warbaidz) May 31, 2020

IT WAS PEACEFUL UNTIL THE COPS SHOWED UP #portlandprotest #GeorgeFloyd #BLM pic.twitter.com/zEGiEwFuvA

— zoe 🤍 (@zoetaylo_r) May 30, 2020

How big is the crowd? Here’s 1 min of people walking past with no end in sight pic.twitter.com/c749zKwr8G

— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) May 30, 2020

Portland not impressed with PPB efforts to impose curfew. #BLM #NoJusticeNoPeaceProsecuteThePolice #portlandprotest pic.twitter.com/iWOMt3NjFA

— Deborah 💔 (@debbiedoo131) May 31, 2020

Some are even taking to social media to promote the raising of funds for bail money or offer pro Bono, legal counsel.

If you need bail money for tonight if arrested in Portland #pdx #portlandprotest https://t.co/BgV7rud0vt

— mig (@Beastmode_36089) May 31, 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.