End Domestic Terrorism rally
Promotional artwork for the rally
DateAugust 17, 2019 (2019-08-17)
Time9am–2:30pm[1]
VenueTom McCall Waterfront Park
LocationPortland, Oregon, United States
TypeRally
CauseTo demand the classification of anti-fascism groups as domestic terrorists in the United States
Organized byProud Boys[2]
Participants200–300 protesters
500–1,000 counter-protesters
Peaking at 1,200 participants
Arrests13, for disorderly conduct, interfering with police, and weapon-related charges.

The End Domestic Terrorism rally, sometimes subtitled "Better Dead Than Red",[3] was a far-right[4][5] demonstration organized by the Proud Boys and held in Portland, Oregon on August 17, 2019. The event, the purpose of which was to promote the idea that the "antifa" anti-fascist movement should be classified as "domestic terrorism", received national attention.[6][7] The rally drew more counter-demonstrators than participants, with at least one group urging its members in advance not to attend, and ended with the Proud Boys requesting a police escort to leave.[5]

Planning

The rally was organized by talk show radio host and former InfoWars staffer Joe Biggs, who is based in Florida, to protest Portland-based antifascists,[8] and to have antifa declared a domestic terrorist organization.[9][10] Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio, a two-time convicted felon, was listed as an organizer on the event's Facebook page.[11] Tarrio said the Proud Boys did "not [come] to Portland to cause problems," but to support "innocent people, journalists and our brave law enforcement officers".[12]

Plans for the rally were confirmed as early as July 1, 2019, after protests held on June 29 resulted in clashes.[13][14][15] Viral video of an incident on June 29 where conservative blogger Andy Ngo was assaulted by masked demonstrators led the Proud Boys to organize the rally.[16] The city did not issue a permit for the event,[8] which was planned to be held at Tom McCall Waterfront Park.[17] Members of The Daily Stormer and Oath Keepers were expected to attend.[18][19] However, Oath Keepers backed out and "disavowed the rally for fear of being associated with white supremacists."[20]

Members of Three Percenters militia, and the white supremacist American Guard, both designated as hate groups by the Southern Poverty Law Center, attended the event.[21]

Biggs promoted the event by posting a video online in which he carries a "Trump-themed" baseball bat and t-shirt with the text "Training to Throw Communists Out of Helicopters", in reference to the summary execution of political dissidents in Chile under Augusto Pinochet's military dictatorship.[22] He told participants not to bring weapons or fight unless they were in "imminent danger".[23][24]

The president of Oath Keepers discouraged members from attending the rally or associating themselves with white nationalists.[25][26]

Law enforcement

Portland mayor Ted Wheeler announced a "zero-tolerance approach" would be adopted and promised law breakers would be arrested.[27] Organizers on both sides criticized his handling of the planned activities.[28] Wheeler considered asking Governor Kate Brown to seek support from the Oregon National Guard.[22]

Danielle Outlaw, chief of the Portland Police Bureau, said officers were prepared, and the president of the Portland Police Association proposed arresting all people who demonstrate without a permit.[8] Police worked with organizers on both sides "to achieve the goal of a safe event".[29] The Portland Police Bureau said in advance of the rally that all 1,000 of its officers would be on duty.[30][31] Federal, state, and other local law enforcement agencies provided assistance to prepare for the rally.[32][33]

Leading up to the rally, Biggs advocated for laws preventing protesters from wearing masks, and said, "I hope at the end of the day I can shake the cops' hands and say good job, nothing happened."[34] Six members of Patriot Prayer, including political activist Joey Gibson, were arrested days before the event.[35]

The Portland Police Bureau encouraged people to avoid Waterfront Park and visit other parts of the city.[36] The Federal Bureau of Investigation planned to have a presence at the rally.[37] Deployment of the National Guard was considered but avoided.[38]

Reaction

Leaders of civil rights, community, and religious groups condemned the event's organizers and ideology, and approximately 100 people gathered at Pioneer Courthouse Square on August 14 to speak out against violence.[39][40][41][42] Jo Ann Hardesty said, "You want to be hateful, stay home. Do not get on a plane, on a bus and come to Portland. We don't want you here. We never wanted you here. If you come, we will expose you to the light of day."[43] Wheeler, Outlaw, U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams, and Joey Webber of the Portland Timbers also attended the August 14 rally.[41]

President Donald Trump monitored developments and tweeted, "Major consideration is being given to naming ANTIFA an 'ORGANIZATION OF TERROR.' Portland is being watched very closely. Hopefully the Mayor will be able to properly do his job!"[44][45] Wheeler responded, "My job today is to be heads down and focused on maintaining the public safety here in Portland, Oregon. I'm focused on what's going on the ground here in my community... This is a potentially dangerous and volatile situation, and adding to that noise doesn't do anything to support or help the efforts that are going on here in Portland."[46] According to Business Insider, "The president's remarks quickly drew scrutiny for siding with the far-right."[47]

Antifascist groups made plans for nonviolent counter-protests.[11][48] Popular Mobilization hosted "The Spectacle" to "downplay the far-right's rhetoric and inject the atmosphere with whimsy and 'joyful resistance'"; planned activities included a banana costume dance party, mask decorating, and dressing as the Pile of Poo emoji.[49] Rose City Antifa issued a statement calling on counter-protestors to defend the city from a "far-right attack".[50] Miles Thompson and his Unpresidented Brass Band, a 12-person marching band, planned to march with 50 counter protesters in banana costumes, hosting a "Banana Bloc Dance Party".[51] Counter-protesters also organized a fundraiser to benefit Causa, based on the number of rally supporters; according to HuffPost, the organization "advocates for Oregon's Latino population at the state and national level, and helps protect local undocumented immigrants from deportation".[52]

Event

Members of Proud Boys started gathering at the Morrison Bridge at approximately 9 am, then started marching south an hour later. They held a prayer service underneath an American flag at Waterfront Park at approximately 10:30 am.[53][54] Officers maintained distance between opposing groups, keeping members of Proud Boys and other right-wing groups south of the Morrison Bridge and counter-protesters north of the bridge.[55] Later, members of Proud Boys marched over Tilikum Crossing while counter-protesters crossed the Burnside Bridge. The demonstration was over by approximately 2:30 pm.[56]

Crowd estimates varied. CBS News and the Portland Mercury reported there were 200 and 300 people attending in support of the rally, respectively.[57][58] There were approximately 500 counter-demonstrators, according to Willamette Week.[55] Police estimated there were approximately 1,000 protesters,[59] and the Portland Mercury's Alex Zielinski wrote, "At its peak, there were an estimated 300 right-wing protesters and 1,000 left-wing protesters in downtown Portland."[58]

The event remained mostly calm.[59] Police arrested 13 people,[59][54] and confiscated weapons, including bear spray, poles, and shields.[60][61]

Gibson attended the rally.[55] The president of the local NAACP affiliate was among the counter-protesters.[62]

According to Al Jazeera, "More than two dozen local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Federal Protective Service ... gathered in Portland to help police monitor the right-wing rally."[63] The Proud Boys pledged to return to Portland monthly until Wheeler "excises the alt-left groups from his city".[56]

Impact

Some local businesses changed plans or closed for the day because of the demonstrations.[64][65][66] Roses on the River, a 5K run and walk affiliated with the Portland Thorns FC, was relocated to the other side of the Willamette River to avoid potential conflicts.[67][68] The Portland Streetcar Scavenger Hunt was postponed.[36] Multiple Starbucks locations in downtown Portland closed for the day.[1][69] Kells Irish Pub cancelled its annual "Summer Smoker" amateur boxing match.[70] Two performances at Keller Auditorium took place as scheduled, but the venue hired increased security.[71]

The Portland Bureau of Transportation closed the northbound side of Southwest Naito Parkway from 9 am to 4 pm on the preceding Friday and following Monday. Prior to the event, TriMet said services would be altered as needed if law enforcement determined riders were at risk, and confirmed delays were expected.[1][72] On the day of the rally, Southwest 2nd Avenue from Southwest Madison to Main streets was closed, as were the Hawthorne Bridge and SmartPark garage at 1st Avenue and Jefferson Street.[59][73]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Ryan, Jim; Dixon, Shane; Ramakrishnan, Jayati (August 16, 2019). "Portland protests Aug. 17: What you need to know". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on August 16, 2019. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
  2. ↑ Dickson, E. J. (August 15, 2019). "Are the Proud Boys Done or Are They Just Getting Started?". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on August 16, 2019. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
  3. ↑ Bernstein, Maxine (August 6, 2019). "Portland police chief to protesters intent on violence: 'Don't come. We don't want you here. I don't care what side you're on.'". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on August 13, 2019. Retrieved August 13, 2019.
  4. ↑ State (August 18, 2019) "Far-right groups and Antifa face off in Portland" Archived August 18, 2019, at the Wayback Machine USA Today
  5. 1 2 Mathias, Christopher and Campbell, Andy (August 18, 2019) "Proud Boys, Outnumbered By Anti-fascists, Get Police Escort After 30-Minute Rally" Archived August 18, 2019, at the Wayback Machine Huff Post
  6. ↑ Simon, Mallory; Sidner, Sara (August 16, 2019). "Portland braces for dueling protests: What we know". CNN. Archived from the original on August 15, 2019. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
  7. ↑ Turnquist, Kristi (August 15, 2019). "Fox News host warns 'all hell's going to break loose' at Portland protests this weekend". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on August 15, 2019. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
  8. 1 2 3 Mesh, Aaron (August 2, 2019). "Portland Police Chief Foresees Violence at Next Right-Wing Protest". Willamette Week. Archived from the original on August 5, 2019. Retrieved August 13, 2019.
  9. ↑ Stanglin, Doug (August 16, 2019). "Portland: City braces for possible left-right clashes at rally". USA Today. Archived from the original on August 16, 2019. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
  10. ↑ "A Skeptical Citizen's Guide to the Latest Protester Clash Alarming Portlanders". Willamette Week. Archived from the original on August 14, 2019. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
  11. 1 2 Wesley, Lashay (August 11, 2019). "Rival demonstrations planned on August 17 in Downtown Portland". KATU. Archived from the original on August 12, 2019. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
  12. ↑ "Portland police chief addresses crowd control, masks as planned demonstrations loom". KPTV. Archived from the original on August 14, 2019. Retrieved August 14, 2019.
  13. ↑ Bernstein, Maxine (July 2, 2019). "Bloody clashes in downtown Portland put police, mayor on defensive". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on July 19, 2019. Retrieved August 13, 2019.
  14. ↑ Bernstein, Maxine (August 9, 2019). "Mixed messages, mounting tensions as Proud Boys and antifa prepare to face off in Portland". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on August 10, 2019. Retrieved August 13, 2019.
  15. ↑ Friedman, Gordon; Bernstein, Maxine (July 8, 2019). "Mayor Ted Wheeler, without plan in hand, rejects Portland protest violence". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on July 19, 2019. Retrieved August 13, 2019.
  16. ↑ Flaccus, Gillian (August 17, 2019). "At least 13 people arrested at Portland, Oregon, protest". ABC News. Retrieved October 5, 2020.
  17. ↑ Kavanaugh, Shane Dixon (August 10, 2019). "Will Proud Boys, antifa showdown mark a tipping point for Portland?". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on August 12, 2019. Retrieved August 13, 2019.
  18. ↑ Flaccus, Gillian (August 13, 2019). "Risk of clashes at rally mobilizes Portland, Oregon, police". AP News. Archived from the original on August 15, 2019. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
  19. ↑ "Portland protests: Confrontations avoided between far right, antifa". USA Today. August 17, 2019. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
  20. ↑ Youn, Soo (August 17, 2019). "13 arrested, 6 injured at Portland right-wing rally: Police". ABC News. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  21. ↑ Wilson, Jason (August 18, 2019). "US far-right group vows to march monthly following Portland rally". The Irish Times. Retrieved October 14, 2020.
  22. 1 2 Wilson, Jason (August 16, 2019). "Portland prepares for city's largest far-right rally of the Trump era". The Guardian. Archived from the original on August 16, 2019. Retrieved August 16, 2019 – via www.theguardian.com.
  23. ↑ "What to know about Saturday's protests in Portland". KGW. August 17, 2019. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  24. ↑ Baker, Mike; Bogel-Burroughs, Nicholas (August 17, 2019). "Antifa and Far-Right Groups Face Off in Portland as Trump Weighs In". The New York Times. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  25. ↑ Templeton, Amelia. "Militia Leader Warns Followers To Avoid Portland Rally, Citing Legal Risks And White Nationalist Presence". Oregon Public Broadcasting. Archived from the original on August 16, 2019. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
  26. ↑ "As Arrests Mount, At Least One Far-Right Paramilitary Group Has Bailed Out of the Aug. 17 Rally in Portland". Willamette Week. August 16, 2019. Archived from the original on August 16, 2019. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
  27. ↑ Friedman, Gordon (August 6, 2019). "Portland mayor and chief warn protest instigators: Expect stern police response". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on August 11, 2019. Retrieved August 13, 2019.
  28. ↑ Redden, Jim (July 25, 2019). "Sources: Wheeler criticized by both sides of protests". Portland Tribune. Archived from the original on August 13, 2019. Retrieved August 13, 2019.
  29. ↑ "As protest nears, PPB in contact with both sides". KOIN. August 13, 2019. Archived from the original on August 16, 2019. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
  30. ↑ Stanglin, Doug (August 7, 2019). "Portland police keeping far-right protesters, antifa groups apart; violence avoided during rallies". USA Today. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  31. ↑ "At Least 13 People Arrested at Portland, Oregon, Protest". U.S. News & World Report. Associated Press. August 17, 2019. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  32. ↑ Bernstein, Maxine (August 2, 2019). "Aug. 17 Portland protest risk spurs feds, state, local agencies to team up with police". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on August 13, 2019. Retrieved August 13, 2019.
  33. ↑ "US, state to assist Portland police during expected protest". KTVZ. August 4, 2019. Archived from the original on August 13, 2019. Retrieved August 13, 2019.
  34. ↑ News, KATU (August 15, 2019). "Controversial organizer of planned Portland demonstration speaks to KATU". KATU. Archived from the original on August 16, 2019. Retrieved August 18, 2019. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  35. ↑ Zielinski, Alex. "August 17 Protest: What to Know, How to Follow Along". Portland Mercury. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  36. 1 2 Acker, Lizzy (August 13, 2019). "City, businesses prepare for Proud Boy and antifa face-off this weekend". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on August 13, 2019. Retrieved August 13, 2019.
  37. ↑ "Portland braces for violence at far-right rally — entire police force will be on duty". CBS News. August 17, 2019. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  38. ↑ "The Oregon National Guard Will Not be Present at Tomorrow's Portland Waterfront Protest". Willamette Week. August 16, 2019. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  39. ↑ Kavanaugh, Shane Dixon (August 14, 2019). "Portland mayor gathers civic leaders in continued push against protest violence". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on August 15, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  40. ↑ Ramakrishnan, Jayati (August 14, 2019). "Nearly 100 groups join Portland mayor in warning Aug. 17 protesters". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  41. 1 2 Sievert, Hannah (August 14, 2019). "Downtown rally denounces violence, hatred ahead of Saturday demonstrations". Portland Business Journal. Archived from the original on August 15, 2019. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
  42. ↑ "'You want to be hateful? Stay home'; Coalition calls for peace ahead of planned Saturday". KGW. August 14, 2019. Archived from the original on August 15, 2019. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
  43. ↑ "Portland leaders send unified message ahead of Proud Boys rally: Stay home". NBC News. August 14, 2019. Archived from the original on August 15, 2019. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
  44. ↑ Bowden, John (August 17, 2019). "Trump watching 'very closely' as Portland braces for dueling protests". The Hill. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  45. ↑ "Portland protests: 13 arrested as police declare civil disturbance". The Oregonian. August 17, 2019. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  46. ↑ Dakin Andone and Steve Almasy. "Portland protests wind down after 13 arrested and six injured". CNN. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  47. ↑ Einbinder, Nicole. "Portland braces for protests and possible violence between the far-right and Antifa". Business Insider. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  48. ↑ "Portland Anticipates Violence as Proud Boys and Antifa Plan Opposing Rallies". NewNowNext. Archived from the original on August 13, 2019. Retrieved August 13, 2019.
  49. ↑ "Proud Boys rally in Portland is latest test for police". NBC News. August 17, 2019. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  50. ↑ "Feds, state to assist Portland police during planned protest". KGW. August 3, 2019. Archived from the original on August 13, 2019. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
  51. ↑ Kavanaugh, Shane Dixon (August 16, 2019). "Portland protests to feature banana costumes, poop emojis and fundraisers for immigrants". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  52. ↑ Mathias, Christopher (August 16, 2019). "For Each Fascist At Portland Rally, Protesters Pledge Money To Pro-Immigrant Group". HuffPost. Archived from the original on August 18, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  53. ↑ "Wheeler: PPB 'kept extremists on both sides separated'". Koin.com. August 17, 2019. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  54. 1 2 "Live updates: 13 arrested during Aug. 17 dueling demonstrations in Portland". KGW. August 17, 2019. Archived from the original on August 18, 2019. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
  55. 1 2 3 Mesh, Aaron; Jaquiss, Nigel (August 17, 2019). "Proud Boys Scamper Across Portland Waterfront, But Police Keep Them Far From Antifascists". Willamette Week. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  56. 1 2 Mesh, Aaron; Jaquiss, Nigel (August 17, 2019). "Proud Boys Wander Lost Through Portland as Police Allow Wild Goose Chase by Antifascists". Willamette Week. Archived from the original on August 18, 2019. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
  57. ↑ "13 arrested in day of far-right and antifa demonstrations in Portland". CBS News. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  58. 1 2 Aug 17, Alex Zielinski •; Pm, 2019 at 4:23. "As Protest Spread Along Waterfront and Across Bridges, Portland Police Mostly Managed to Keep Protesters Apart". Portland Mercury. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  59. 1 2 3 4 VanderHart, Meerah Powell | Ryan Haas | Dirk. "Portland Police Arrest At Least 13 In Downtown Portland Rally". Oregon Public Broadcasting. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  60. ↑ "Far-right rally in Portland met by anti-fascist protesters". NBC News. Archived from the original on August 19, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  61. ↑ Bowden, John (August 17, 2019). "Police seize multiple weapons from groups in Portland protests". The Hill. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  62. ↑ "LIVE UPDATES| Police declare demonstration in downtown Portland to be civil disturbance". KATU. August 17, 2019. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
  63. ↑ "Far-right rally, counterprotests face off in US city of Portland". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on August 18, 2019. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
  64. ↑ "A Downtown Portland Irish Pub Has Cancelled Its Annual Live Boxing Event Due to Planned Proud Boys Rally This Weekend". Willamette Week. August 12, 2019. Archived from the original on August 13, 2019. Retrieved August 13, 2019.
  65. ↑ "Organizer relocating 5K run, bar cancels event in anticipation of protest". KGW. August 12, 2019.
  66. ↑ "Organizer relocating 5K run, bar cancels event in anticipation of protest". KGW. August 12, 2019 – via YouTube.
  67. ↑ Acker, Lizzy (August 9, 2019). "Portland 5k changes location due to planned Proud Boys and Antifa rallies". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on August 13, 2019. Retrieved August 13, 2019.
  68. ↑ "Portland Thorns' Waterfront Run Relocated Due to Planned Aug. 17 Proud Boys Rally". Willamette Week. August 9, 2019. Archived from the original on August 12, 2019. Retrieved August 13, 2019.
  69. ↑ Acker, Lizzy (August 16, 2019). "Portland protests: Multiple downtown businesses close as city prepares for showdown". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  70. ↑ Jackson-Glidden, Brooke (August 16, 2019). "Longstanding Steakhouse Ringside Now Has a Killer New Happy Hour". Eater Portland. Vox Media. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
  71. ↑ Silkman, Bonnie. "Former assistant police chief expects arrests, violence during possible protests in Portland Saturday". KPTV. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  72. ↑ Ramakrishnan, Jayati (August 17, 2019). "Navigating the Portland protests: Transportation updates for Aug. 17". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  73. ↑ Ryan, Jim (August 16, 2019). "Hawthorne Bridge to close ahead of Portland protest". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on August 17, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
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