April 19, 2021

DA Mike Schmidt provides update on April 16, 2021 riot in downtown Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt filed criminal charges against two individuals arrested in connection to the downtown riot on April 16, 2021 that resulted in more than $20,000 in damages.

Matthee-O’Brien is charged with one count of criminal mischief in the first degree and one count of felony riot for conduct allegedly occurring April 16, 2021.

Matthee-O’Brien is also charged with one count of felony riot, one count of disorderly conduct in the second degree and one count of interfering with a peace officer for conduct allegedly occurring January 20, 2021.

It is alleged that on April 16, 2021, law enforcement saw Matthee-O’Brien breaking several large windows—some that belonged to the Oregon Historical Society. When arrested, law enforcement found Matthee-O’Brien in possession of a device known as a “window punch,” a gas mask, several pairs of gloves, knives, and multiple umbrellas. These are items known to be commonly used by rioters.

The damage to the Oregon Historical Society is estimated to be more than $10,000.

Further, it is alleged that on January 20, 2021, law enforcement saw Matthee-O’Brien using a shield to actively block and shove law enforcement officers who were attempting to control a violent crowd outside a federal building located in South Portland. It is alleged that Matthee-O’Brien did so with five or more people and created a grave risk of causing public alarm. When arrested, law enforcement found Matthee-O’Brien in possession of several large rocks, an asp baton and a large shield.

Millar-Griffin is charged with two counts of criminal mischief in the first degree and one count of felony riot.

It is alleged that on April 16, 2021, law enforcement received information that Millar-Griffin broke several windows at the Oregon Historical Society and the First Christian Church.

The damage to the First Christian Church is estimated to be more than $10,000.

Law enforcement referred a criminal case against Sodja alleging one count of assaulting a public safety officer and one count of disorderly conduct in the second degree.

The conduct occurred at Lents Park during the afternoon—not the evening riot in downtown Portland. 

After reviewing the case, the District Attorney’s Office determined there is insufficient evidence to prove the crime of assaulting a public safety officer and declined prosecution.

The other charge was declined in the interest of justice.

No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time.

A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Matthee-O’Brien and Millar-Griffin are innocent unless and until proven guilty.

#MCDA#

Media Contact:

Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office

Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us