Under the title "Turmoil in Portland, USA: Riots and Talk of Antifa," Sky News Arabia reported on new civil unrest that took place in Portland, Oregon, on Friday evening, involving protesters against police violence, including dozens affiliated with the leftist Antifa movement. The Portland police stated that thousands of demonstrators organized an unauthorized march late Friday that began in a park, breaking windows and looting businesses and institutions, including a church, in addition to setting multiple fires.
The Associated Press reported that the new riots erupted in the city in protest of a man being killed by police and as part of pre-planned protests honoring individuals who have been shot by police, including Adam Toledo, a 13-year-old from Chicago, and Black youth Daunte Wright. The police noted that they arrested four individuals for "criminal behavior," affirming that they used pepper spray to disperse the demonstration.
CNN cited the Family Protection Office saying that individuals were seen participating in "criminal activity" and breaking windows. American media spoke of the Antifa movement and its role in inciting the riots in the city. The office mentioned that "rioters were seen attempting to loot businesses," while the police stated that a "hostile crowd" at one point surrounded them. The police indicated that the Portland Fire and Rescue was called to extinguish at least two fires set in various stores, notably at an Apple store and other shops.
A statement from Portland Police's office noted that the suspect, described only as a white male, was killed by an officer's gunfire in response to a report of a man aiming a rifle in the park. The U.S. police identified the officer who shot the suspect as Zachary DeLong, a veteran of the force for eight years. The police stated that DeLong would be placed on paid administrative leave until the investigation by the police and the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office is completed.
For his part, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler issued a statement on Friday urging everyone to "move forward with compassion and peace." Wheeler stated, "These shootings are always painful for everyone involved and for our community, regardless of the circumstances. I want to express my sympathy to the individuals involved and their families. My thoughts are also with the officers involved." It is worth noting that Portland experienced widespread protests last year organized by supporters of the Black Lives Matter movement.
