Antifa accused far-right groups of planning to bring political violence into Portland (Image via: RNZ)

Far-Right Rally Clashed with Antifa in Portland

Kirana Chandra Mumpuni Budiana
Politics & Economic
Politics
Aug 18, 2019
6525
On Saturday, a rally was organized by a far-right groups, Proud Boys, in Portland, Oregon, U.S. It was promoted by Joe Biggs, a member of the far-right Proud Boys group and former employee of Alex Jones's Infowars. The group has been classified as “hate group” by The Southern Poverty Law Center, a US civil rights organization. Proud Boys was described by its founder Gavin McInnes as fraternal organization for young western chauvinist men. Another controversial far-right groups also promised that they would be there, including American Guard and Three Percenters. The rally was organized to protest about the existence of antifa groups, so they would be declared as domestic terrorist organization. It turned out a group of antifa was ready to confront the far-right rally and fight back with a large counter-demonstration. Portland is regarded as an antifa stronghold.

Some downtown businesses were closing down because they feared the meeting would turn into riot. They were not wrong. Police officers were everywhere to secure the situation. According to Lt. Tina Jones of the Portland Police Bureau, at least 13 people were arrested. They were charged with disorderly conduct, interfering with police, resisting arrest, and unlawful use of a weapon.

The police Chief Danielle Outlaw reported that six people had minor injuries during the day and one of them was hospitalized. Nevertheless, the police officers had done their best to let everyone speak freely. They referred to 1st Amendment right to gather and speak as the foundation of democracy and an important part of Portland’s identity. They tried to keep the two sides apart. Police officers also successfully seized weapons from participants including bear spray, shields, and poles.

Portland Mayor, Ted Wheeler, condemned the far-right organizations. He said the groups are impacting the entire nation by attacking women, minorities and immigrants with hate speech. Wheeler had made clear that Portland doesn’t want far-right groups in the city. On the other hand, the clash garnered national attention, including President Donald Trump. He tweeted about major consideration to naming antifa as an organization of terror. Trump also said that he got his eyes on Portland and the mayor should do the job properly. It looks like Trump forgot that the far-right rally was also organized by some controversial far-right groups, which allegedly promoted white-supremacy. Meanwhile, previously he said that both white-supremacists and antifa are major issues.

Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/far-right-rally-portland-met-anti-fascist-protesters-n1043646

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