Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler reportedly witnessed a blatant arson attack during riots late Wednesday night; seemingly doing nothing before being tear-gassed when the crowd turned even more violent.
Ted Wheeler watches arson attacks on federal building: “With 100 percent honesty I saw nothing that would provoke this response [from federal agents].” https://t.co/EzTx8Waj51
— Miranda Devine (@mirandadevine) July 23, 2020
.@tedwheeler says, “I saw nothing that provoked this response” when asked about his thoughts on federal law enforcement deploying tear gas.
The building had been set on fire and rioters were throwing explosives. #PortlandRiots pic.twitter.com/M21iOcDfLa
— Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) July 23, 2020
Wheeler held a tense meeting with protesters late Wednesday night where he was booed, told to resign by the demonstrators, and ultimately tear-gassed after a riot erupted.
“His visit ended with his security detail engaging in a struggle with protesters late Wednesday night as they worked to get the mayor to safety,” reports Fox News.
“As Wheeler left, a few protesters following him tried to push against his security team once he had entered a building. Others threw water bottles and other projectiles at the glass door,” adds Fox.
Portland mayor tear gassed by federal officers alongside protesters: "I’m not afraid, but I am pissed off" https://t.co/AT2DJl6cGb pic.twitter.com/YGFyV2uh6K
— The Hill (@thehill) July 23, 2020
“I think what we’re doing tonight is actually the best thing we can do right now,” Wheeler told the crowd. “Be here, be heard, be unified, and be clear. We didn’t want them, we didn’t ask for them, they’re not trained for what they’re being asked to do. And we want them to leave.”
Read the full report at Fox News.
CHANGE OF HEART: Portland Mayor Says ‘I Don’t Want an Autonomous Zone’ After Protesters Target His Home
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler shut-down the prospect of an ‘Autonomous Zone’ in his city just hours after protesters targeted his home; calling the cop-free area a “distraction” from the cause.
“I do not want an autonomous zone set up in Portland. I’m watching what’s going on in Seattle and I’m not impressed. It’s a distraction… I’m not in Seattle but what I’m hearing coming out of Seattle concerns me,” said Wheeler.
Portland Mayor @tedwheeler after mob of antifa and far-left protesters took over the street outside his downtown condo last night: I don’t support an autonomous zone. pic.twitter.com/3gRhS9wcAe
— Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) June 18, 2020
“Businesses being shaken down to be allowed to operate. If you’re asking if that’s something I support, I do not support that,” he added.
Watch Wheeler’s comments above.
DAY 50: Rioters Take Control of Portland Streets Again, Threaten to ‘Burn Down’ Police Precincts
Nightly riots in Portland, Oregon entered their 50th day Friday as protesters threatened to “burn down” police precincts and other government buildings.
“We have heard chants stating the crowd around Southeast Precinct wants to enter the property and burn down the precinct. You are subject to arrest and use of force including crowd control munitions if you enter the property,” posted the Police Department on Twitter.
“We have also heard your requests for additional reinforcements. If you are a peaceful protestor, we are asking you to leave,” added the Portland PD.
We have also heard your requests for additional reinforcements. If you are a peaceful protestor, we are asking you to leave.
— Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) July 17, 2020
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf ripped local leaders in Portland, Oregon Thursday; accusing officials there of “enabling mobs” and “violent anarchists” as protests shut-down the city for six-straight weeks.
“The city of Portland has been under siege for 47 straight days by a violent mob while local political leaders refuse to restore order to protect their city,” Wolf said in a statement. “Each night, lawless anarchists destroy and desecrate property, including the federal courthouse, and attack the brave law enforcement officers protecting it.”
“Local businesses have reported $23 million in losses due to looting and rioting that have gripped its downtown area, and rioters were seen lighting mattresses on fire and setting off fireworks in the streets. Protesters have also set up tents in the park near the federal courthouse and have barricaded streets to create their own autonomous zone, likened to the since-disbanded Capitol Hill Organized Protest in Seattle,” reports Fox News.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler refused help from the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security this week; saying his city can handle six-weeks of non-stop, anti-police protests that have brought his town to a virtual standstill.
“Today the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security asked to speak with me about demonstration activity in Portland. He expressed his concern about ongoing violence and asked how his agency can help,” said the Mayor.
I told the Acting Secretary that my biggest immediate concern is the violence federal officers brought to our streets in recent days, and the life-threatening tactics his agents use. We do not need or want their help.
— Mayor Ted Wheeler (@tedwheeler) July 14, 2020
Downtown Portland last night
45 consecutive days of protests
pic.twitter.com/AuGCCizBIi— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) July 13, 2020
“I told the Acting Secretary that my biggest immediate concern is the violence federal officers brought to our streets in recent days, and the life-threatening tactics his agents use. We do not need or want their help,” he added.