Politics

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler Hit During Violent Confrontation

[Twitter/Screenshot/Public User Mac Smiff]

Brianna Lyman News and Commentary Writer
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Democratic Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler was allegedly hit during a violent confrontation Wednesday night.

Wheeler was dining at Café Nell’s in Northwest Portland for about five minutes when a group began heckling Wheeler and his dinner companion, mayoral spokesman Jim Middaugh confirmed in a statement to the Daily Caller. The unidentified group reportedly began shouting obscenities.

One assailant can be heard telling Wheeler he was a “f**king disgrace,” according to a video posted to Twitter.

As the barrage of insults continue to flow, Wheeler could be heard telling the unidentified individual that they need to “grow up.”

Wheeler tried to ignore the group but eventually they “pushed their way past restaurant employees” to confront the mayor, Middaugh said. (RELATED: Portland Mayor Authorizes ‘All Lawful Means’ To End Autonomous Zone After Banning Non-Lethal Munitions During Months-Long Unrest)

In an attempt to quell the escalating situation, Wheeler asked the group to leave. Then, however, “at that point, one member of the group started swatting at the Mayor and made physical contact with him,” Middaugh said.

Sergeant Kevin Allen, a spokesperson for the Portland Police Bureau, originally said Wheeler was punched, according to the Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB).

Wheeler was not injured during the confrontation. Restaurant staff managed to convince the group to leave the area and police arrived shortly thereafter.

“The Mayor is committed to supporting local businesses and wants others to do the same,” Middaugh said. “Given the tenor of political discourse nationally and locally, it’s unfortunate but not unusual for people to confront the Mayor and other elected officials in public. The Mayor will continue to support local restaurants and businesses as often as he can.”

Wheeler does not intend to press charges, according to OPB.

Sixty-three percent of Portland voters viewed Wheeler unfavorably, according to a September poll from The Oregonian.