Portland police will investigate and arrest any suspects in violence or other unlawful activity on election night or afterward. (Courtesy of Portland Police Bureau)
As tensions tighten across the country heading toward Election Day, Portland police are gearing up to tackle any unrest and the National Guard is standing ready as political leaders call for peaceful protests.
Gov. Tina Kotek said in an email that any voter intimidation is “un-American and will not be tolerated.”
“The governor’s office is closely monitoring and coordinating with local, state and federal agencies to ensure Oregon voters can safely cast their ballot,” the statement said.
Portland police have been planning for weeks on ways to promote “peaceful free speech and public safety” on election night and the rest of the week, Mayor Ted Wheeler said.
“While there is no current information to suggest unrest, we know there is a lot of uncertainty and tension in our community,” Wheeler said.
Part of the bureau’s strategy will be putting all officers under a unified command next week. Terri Wallo Strauss, Portland police spokesperson, declined to release details about the bureau’s plans or say how many officers will be on patrol, but she indicated it will be an all-hands-on-deck situation.
“The chief has canceled days off, and everyone is working 12-hour shifts,” Wallo Strauss said in an email.
Oregon State Police is coordinating with law enforcement in Portland, while the Oregon Department of Emergency Management is working with tribal, local, state and federal authorities. Kotek said she will activate the National Guard if needed, just as then-Gov. Kate Brown did in 2020. Kotek said the number and role of the troops would be determined by law enforcement.
Portland police said they will investigate any unlawful activity or vandalism connected to the election, arrest suspects and forward cases to the Multnomah County District Attorney for prosecution. Investigations — and arrests — could also happen after the fact.
“Just because arrests are not made at the scene, when tensions are high, that does not mean that people are not being charged with crimes later,” police said in a statement.
Portland has a history of election violence – there have already been attacks on ballot boxes in Portland and Vancouver, Washington. Kotek and dozens of others, from U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley to Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade, asked residents to avoid a repeat of the 2020 violence.
“As we approach this critical election, it is more important than ever to be united in support of democratic principles and the safety of our communities,” said Amy Herzfeld-Copple, executive director of the Western States Center, an anti-racist group that circulated one letter.
Portland Metro Chamber circulated a similar letter signed by 100 elected and community and business leaders, with Oregon’s Democratic congressional members and members of Portland city government and Multnomah County Commission taking part.
“As the election results are tabulated, there may be moments of uncertainty or heightened emotions,” the letter said. “It is in these moments that we must exemplify the very best of Oregon – our compassion, innovation and commitment to progress and inclusivity. By choosing peaceful and constructive forms of civic participation, we protect our community’s well-being and continue to build a place that works for everyone.”
Republicans in the Legislature also condemn violence, according to spokespeople for the Republican caucuses in the state House and Senate.
“We do not condone election violence of any kind. Our commitment to democratic processes stands firm,” said Ashley Kuenzi, communications director for the Senate Republican office.
The 2020 presidential election led to protesters attacking businesses and churches along West Burnside. Brown declared a riot and activated National Guard troops to help quell the unrest.
That year, Democrat Joe Biden won the presidency. Portland also erupted in violence when Republican Donald Trump was elected in 2016. Thousands took to the streets, and though most were peaceful, black-clad anarchists threw rocks at windows and smashed businesses with baseball bats. Several dozen people were arrested.
With Trump running again this year, and already brandishing unfounded claims of election fraud, the likelihood for violence is real though it might not happen on election night if results lag, officials said.
Leading up to election night, Portland police said owners should remove any sandwich boards, furniture or construction materials outside their businesses. Dumpsters should be secured so that materials inside aren’t used for projectiles and the Dumpster isn’t ignited.
In an emergency, call 911 to report criminal activity. The non-emergency Portland line is 503-823-3333. It is unlawful in Portland to carry a loaded firearm in public unless you have an Oregon concealed weapons license, and Oregon does not accept concealed carry permits from other states
Police also warned the public that mass gatherings could stall traffic and public transportation. TriMet riders can check to see if their bus or MAX train is detoured or disrupted at https://trimet.org/home/#/alerts and for the Portland Streetcar, check https://portlandstreetcar.org.
GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.