PORTLAND — A protest against President-elect Donald Trump in downtown Portland Thursday night became a riot after extensive criminal and dangerous behavior, police said.
Multiple news outlets reported that several people were detained after protesters broke out the windows of businesses and started a dumpster fire in the city’s Pearl District, a showcase neighborhood and site of many boutiques and art galleries.
Other vandalism including graffiti and aggressive behavior could be seen as police said about 4,000 people marched through the city.
At 10 p.m. Thursday, police told protesters who had not returned to Pioneer Courthouse Square that they were under arrest. Police had previously told people who wanted to continue peacefully demonstrating to head back to the square. Media outlets showed at least one woman who appeared handcuffed walking away with officers while other protesters appeared to scatter.
They soon after continued marching through the streets and numbered about 1,500 at about 11 p.m., police said.
People threw projectiles at officers at one point and protesters caused significant damage at a car dealership, police said. News outlets posted videos and photos of vehicle windows smashed out.
Another video showed an altercation after a woman threw laundry detergent at protesters.
Police advised people to discontinue the use of illegal fire devices such as fireworks and said multiple people with bats were reported in the crowd. Police were advising that if arrested people could face a felony riot charge.
Protesters carried signs reading, “No racists, no hate” and “Revolt,” while chanting a myriad of phrases including “We reject the president-elect,” “Black lives matter,” and “Rape is a crime.”
Oregon Department of Transportation officials closed portions of Interstate 5 and Interstate 84 in the area intermittently as a precaution. Officials urged travelers to watch for people in unexpected places on roads.
Portland Police tweeted to those stuck in traffic near demonstrations to stay in their vehicles, remain calm and refrain from engaging people as they pass by.
Portland Mayor Charlie Hales said earlier in the day he supports the peaceful protest of people exercising their Constitutional rights, but cautioned that walking on to freeways and blocking light rail lines is dangerous for everyone involved.
