A left-wing May Day protest in Portland, Oregon devolved into a riot on Monday, as law enforcement struggled to maintain order. (RELATED: Leader Of Portland Anti-Trump Protests Charged With Sexually Abusing Minor)
Police arrested 25 people after they said anarchists started fires, destroyed property and threw homemade explosives at law enforcement officers. Rioters reportedly tossed fireworks, rocks and Molotov cocktails at police officers.
Permitted #MayDayPDX March Turns Into Riot — 25 People Arrested (Photo) https://t.co/pdSHmw79En pic.twitter.com/muvZhWcjVR
— Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) May 2, 2017
Three minors — two 17-year-olds and a 14-year-old — were among the 25 arrested, authorities said. All three teens are facing riot charges, while the remaining suspects face second degree disorderly conduct charges. One suspect faces charges for interfering with a peace officer, police said.
Police officers confiscated multiple “homemade shields” before the marchers even began marching. After the march began, police say, agitators began throwing rocks at police officers, who responded by donning protective helmets. Things went downhill from there.
Permitted #MayDayPDX march to begin soon, starting from Shemanski Park. Multiple homemade shields have been taken for safekeeping. pic.twitter.com/0KfYrl4d7D
— Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) May 1, 2017
Portland, a known leftist hotbed, has struggled to contain explosive anti-Trump protests. The mayor admitted in February that the “culture of protest” will be the norm in Portland for the “foreseeable future.”
Organizers of the 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade, which was supposed to take place this past weekend in Portland, were forced to cancel the event after activists threatened violence against a Republican group taking part in the parade.
