January 15, 2021

PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt released the following statement:

We continue to be dismayed by the harmful rhetoric we are hearing, and we reject the violence and divisiveness permeating throughout the country. As the presidential inauguration nears, I want to reassure Multnomah County that our public safety system stands ready to confront any violence and property destruction. The safety, security and protection of rights for all individuals remains my top priority. We are working with local, state and federal authorities to prioritize that mission. At the same time, my office will continue to work with law enforcement to identify, investigate and prosecute criminal conduct, including property destruction and violence. No amount of property damage or violence is acceptable. Our public safety system continues to take a critical look at itself to find solutions to the injustice and racism highlighted during months of nightly protests last summer. In addition to next week’s presidential inauguration, on Monday we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I hope everyone uses the holiday as a day of reflection and contemplation. During and after the Civil Rights Movement, our country made incredible progress, but there is so much work left to be done.

Anyone with information about planned criminal activity is urged to contact law enforcement.

People in Oregon can call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or click here to submit information regarding any potential upcoming violence.

If you know of an immediate emergency, call 9-1-1.

#MCDA#

Media Contact:

Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office

Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us