The Portland Police Bureau is preparing for a variety of mass gathering events being planned for Saturday, September 26, 2020. At this time, one group has been announced they will hold an event at Delta Park at noon. Another group is planning an event at Peninsula Park from noon until 3 p.m. These parks are geographically separated by over three miles (See attached map).
Based on publicly available information, these events are being promoted by individuals or organizations with differing ideologies. Numerous past mass gathering events in the City of Portland, involving individuals and groups with differing ideologies, resulted in criminal behavior by some participants, including but not limited to assaults, vandalism, weapons violations, as well as a recent homicide following a rally. Some incidents have resulted in arrests; others remain under investigation.
"We are working closely with the Mayor's Office and other local and regional partners and we will deploy our collective resources based on the latest information we have," said Chief Chuck Lovell. "Across our region we have witnessed devastation and loss of life from COVID to wildfires to gun violence. It is up to all of us to make sure we do not have an event where further loss of life results. Lawful engagement in First Amendment rights is acceptable; attendance with the intent to harm or intimidate others is not appropriate or safe for anyone.
"Due to the heightened rhetoric and many recent events where crimes occurred, we are developing a thorough plan to do everything possible to keep everyone safe. It is crucial for anyone who plans to attend to refrain from engaging in criminal activity, report dangerous or criminal conduct to the police, and adhere to lawful orders given by public safety officials. We will continue to keep the public informed and ask for the public's help in keeping us informed so we can work together to have a safe day."
The Portland Police Bureau's liaison team attempts to work with all event organizers to establish an environment where community members may safely practice their First Amendment Rights of speech and assembly. The Police Bureau Liaison Team is available to assist event organizers in planning a safe event for participants, Portland community members, and businesses. Liaison Officers may be contacted at: PPBLiaison@portlandoregon.gov or through its Twitter account: @PPBLiaison
Prior events resulted in traffic and public transportation disruptions and delays. The Portland Police caution drivers that roadways may be impacted on Saturday, including I-5, which is already affected due to the northbound span I-5 bridge closure. For more information about the bridge closure, visit: http://interstatebridge.org/ To check traffic, visit: https://www.tripcheck.com/
TriMet may adjust service if an area becomes unsafe, blocked or is closed. TriMet riders should check trimet.org/alerts ahead of time to see if their bus or MAX line is detoured or disrupted. Users of the Portland Streetcar should check portlandstreetcar.org.
The Police Bureau encourages demonstration event organizers and organizations to follow established guidelines for obtaining a permit to use a federal or City of Portland park and/or use City of Portland streets for protest events.
Anyone with information about individuals planning to commit criminal activity at any of the September 26 events is asked to share that information with the Portland Police Bureau. Information can be sent via email to CrimeTips@portlandoregon.gov.
For persons requiring anonymity, information may be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Oregon.
Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers cash rewards of up to $2,500 cash for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony crime. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
Visit the App Store and download P3 Tips to submit secure and anonymous tips.
Online at https://www.p3tips.com/823
Call 503-823-HELP (4357)
Expect more information to follow in the coming days. To stay informed of these updates, follow us on Twitter (@PortlandPolice) or sign up for our press releases at https://www.flashalert.net/ or check for posted press release updates on our website at https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/29797
###PPB###