'Antifa' issues veiled death threat against Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler in alarming video



A person purporting to represent Antifa has reportedly targeted Portland, Oregon, Mayor Ted Wheeler (D) after he issued a plea for the community to assist in "unmasking" rioters and members of Antifa.

Just last week, Wheeler asked the public to identify any violent or destructive demonstrators as riots have continued to erupt across the city for more than a year.

What are the details?

According to a Thursday report from PJ Media, a person purporting to represent Antifa threatened Wheeler in a video shared Wednesday night.

In the video, a masked person threatens the Democratic mayor and even goes as far as to publish Wheeler's home address.

The person concluded, "Ted, we are asking for the last time that you resign. If you ignore this message outright, the destruction to your precious way of life is going to escalate. Blood is already on your hands, Ted. The next time, it may just be your own."

https://t.co/JzS9n2QFWR
— nefelibata33_ (@nefelibata33_)1619658021.0

If the above link does not work, you can also access the video here and below.

@tedwheeler @FBI @FBIPortland @POTUS Just a myth huh? Seems like "Antifa" just took it up a notch. https://t.co/xv56sruhGj
— PT News Network (@PT News Network)1619666245.0

What else?

On Thursday afternoon, The Oregonian reported that police are investigating the video.

Jim Middaugh, a spokesman for the mayor, said that he and his office learned of the video Wednesday evening.

Middaugh added that the city's police bureau also notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

"Middaugh said the mayor's office has seen a dramatic uptick in messages following the press conference, most of them critical of Wheeler and the remarks he made," the outlet reported. "Some claimed the mayor's comments would encourage right-wing vigilantism while others said hardline approach was too-little, too-late."

Wheeler's remarks also rankled some civil rights groups.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon condemned Wheeler's request in a statement.

“His comments are inappropriate, irresponsible, and dangerous," a spokesperson for the group said. “After more than four years as police commissioner, Ted Wheeler must finally recognize the role that unchecked police violence has in escalating tension in Portland."

Despite Portland mayor finally vowing to crack down on Antifa, businesses were still terrorized and a riot was declared Friday night



The mayor of Portland extended a state of emergency for the city through this weekend in an attempt to curtail potential violence and defacement of property. The state of emergency, which gives Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler (D) power to declare a curfew and close public facilities, was first declared on Tuesday, the day of the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial.

"Tonight, the anarchists have called for more destruction," Wheeler said at a news conference on Friday afternoon. "I've directed the police bureau to arrest and engage illegal activity whenever they can safely do so."

Wheeler also threatened anyone committing destruction in Oregon's biggest city, and declared, "Let's make it hurt them a little bit." In his strongest words since the regular George Floyd protests and riots began nearly a year ago, Wheeler finally said he would crack down on Antifa and black bloc extremists who have terrorized the city.

"Our job is to unmask them, arrest them, and prosecute them," Wheeler said during the press conference. "I want to personally thank neighbors, family, friends and others who have come forward with vital evidence. People know who these criminals are. They know what they're up to."

"If you have any information, please contact the police," Wheeler said, as reported by the Post Millennial. "I also want you to know that these people often arrive at their so-called direct actions, in cars. And they're all dressed in all black. If you see this, call the police. If you can provide a license plate, if you can do so safely, that information can help later. Together we can make a stand. We're doing what we can today. I'm also asking for your help to make a stand and take our city back."

"There are ways that our other community partners and institutions can be helpful in making it crystal clear that the city of Portland will not tolerate criminal destruction or violence," Wheeler stated. "Those who are engaged in it, let's make it hurt them a little bit."

Wheeler has been a pushover for the far-left rabble-rousers in Portland, who have staged a sit-in protest inside the lobby of his condo, verbally abused him at a pub, punched the mayor while he was eating dinner at a restaurant, and threw objects at him when he showed up at a protest.

Despite the tough talk, yet another riot was declared in Portland on Friday night.

The Portland Police Bureau noted that "about 75 people mostly dressed in all black, or 'bloc' attire designed to make it difficult for police to identify lawbreakers." Within the first 15 minutes of the planned "autonomous demonstration" there were "reports of broken windows and graffiti" at businesses, including a Moroccan restaurant reportedly owned by an immigrant. A TriMet bus shelter was tagged with the anarchist symbol.

"Some members of the group briefly forced their way into a tavern/restaurant in the 2200 block of Northwest Hoyt Street, then other participants followed them in and pulled them out," the Portland Police said. "A resident who was taking video of the march had a rock thrown through his window."

Two people were arrested.

Portland Police have declared this gathering a riot @fox12oregon https://t.co/C34Blj8MzX
— Drew Marine (@Drew Marine)1619239087.0


A restaurant was tagged with graffiti at NW 21 Ave and Northrup St. https://t.co/m5vsg2gTGl
— Portland Police (@Portland Police)1619242573.0


This graffiti was applied to a bus shelter at NW 21/Northrup. https://t.co/Y1wAtZH3Xd
— Portland Police (@Portland Police)1619242132.0

Last weekend, several stores in Portland were set on fire and vandalized, including large national retailers that donated millions of dollars to social justice campaigns, as well as a church that feeds the homeless.

In Antifa-ravaged Portland, Mayor Ted Wheeler is warning of 'white supremacist' violence after the election



The Democratic mayor of Portland, Oregon — the city laid to waste by left-wing rioters this year — warned residents this week that "white supremacist" violence and "divisive rhetoric" from Washington, D.C., could lead to a dangerous situation following Tuesday's election.

"Local law enforcement has been working for several weeks to ensure we have adequate resources available to keep our community safe on and after Nov. 3. We've cancelled days off, put staff on call and coordinated across all city bureaus to prepare for a wide range of scenarios," Wheeler tweeted Monday.

"Given the heightened concerns about potential violence, particularly from white supremist [sic] organizations and the divisive rhetoric from Washington, D.C., the need for coordination and partnership takes on statewide significance. Oregon is likely to be a flashpoint," he added.

Given the heightened concerns about potential violence, particularly from white supremist organizations and the div… https://t.co/9FIdrvZTKg
— Mayor Ted Wheeler (@Mayor Ted Wheeler)1604346245.0

It's fair enough that Wheeler considers the city and the state of Oregon, in general, to be a "flashpoint" for any political violence that may occur following the election. After all, as was widely reported, the city was ravaged by riots for much of this year.

The demonstrations, which went on for more than 100 consecutive nights and only ended after raging wildfires sparked in the region, resulted in over 1,000 arrests in the city and an incredible amount of property damage.

However, his decision to sidestep mentioning left-wing contributors to the violence such as Antifa and Black Lives Matter as potential threats along with white supremacists is questionable, to say the least.

He's getting panned

Fittingly, Wheeler's warning was met with swift backlash from conservative commentators.

Portland-based reporter Andy Ngo wrote: "Who was responsible for the march of destruction on MLK Blvd on Saturday night? That group then went over to Vancouver, Wash. to do the same to businesses there. They chanted, 'Black lives matter.'"

"You absolute clown. White supremacists aren't burning down the cities. Resign," Ian Miles Cheong said on Twitter.

Another wrote: "How absolutely disconnected from reality does one need to be to believe that 'white nationalists' are responsible for any of the riots in Portland? Or that the 'decisive rhetoric' is coming out of the mouths of anyone but Democrats? Truly incredible levels of derangement here."

According to the Washington Times, Candace Owens told Fox News host Tucker Carlson that some of the businesses boarding up their stores in anticipation of violence have posted signs supporting Black Lives Matter. This, she said, is proof that they believe property-damaging protesters will come from the left.

"Now why would a business owner feel the need to spray paint on their own business boarded up, 'We support Black Lives Matter?' Because they're hoping that they send that message," Owens said. "They know exactly who's going to attack them. They know it's not Trump supporters. They know it's the left. It's the radical left."

Bernie Sanders endorses far-left Portland mayor candidate who openly embraces communist authoritarians



Far-left Portland mayoral candidate Sarah Iannarone, who has described herself as an "everyday anti-fascist" and declared, "I am Antifa," has received a huge endorsement on Thursday from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Iannarone was excited to get the support from the self-avowed socialist.

Iannarone, who has embraced the label as the "Antifa mayor," shared Sanders' endorsement on her campaign website.

In every corner of the country, strong progressives are running at the state and local level to represent our movement and lead the fight to transform this country. These races are incredibly important — that's why I am endorsing progressive, down-ballot candidates across the country. If you can, I hope you'll cast your ballot for them when you vote.

Iannarone responded by saying, "Thank you, Senator Sanders. Bernie sees a progressive running to challenge the status quo, and he wants to help."

"I am proud to receive his endorsement," she continued. "I'm excited to work on behalf of the 99% to hold big corporations accountable and to fight for health care for all Portlanders and everyone across the country."

The ultra-progressive Iannarone is taking on incumbent Portland Democratic Mayor Ted Wheeler, who has been the mayor since 2017. A poll released earlier this month found that the race is extremely tight with Iannarone at 34% and Wheeler at 33%.

In 2016, Iannarone tweeted a photo of another person's ballot with dictators such as Joseph Stalin, Vladimir Lenin Joseph Stalin, Vladimir Lenin, and Ho Chi Minh as write-ins.

"Quite possibly my favorite 'I voted this way' photo to date," she tweeted, adding that she "hearts" all of the despots.

Iannarone openly advertises that she admires communist authoritarians. She was seen wearing a skirt with the faces of Che Guevera, Joseph Stalin, and Chairman Mao printed on it.

Look at the skirt. https://t.co/kAu3a3PgUF
— Andy Ngô (@Andy Ngô)1601937891.0

Earlier this month, Iannarone praised Joe Biden for saying that Antifa is an "idea." During a debate against Wheeler, the Portland mayoral candidate was asked about how she would handle protests in the city, which she responded, "I love that Joe Biden answered this question before me, because being opposed to fascism in 2020 is not something to be embarrassed about."

"I have a bumper sticker from the beginning of my campaign that says #EverydayAntifascist," Iannarone proclaimed. "And what I have tried to do is normalize peaceful responses to the rise of white nationalism by organizing in my community."

A new report was published this week that found America's youth is increasingly embracing communism, socialism, and Marxism. Millennials and members of Gen Z were far more likely to adopt communism and collectivism. Many were in favor of eliminating capitalism completely to make way for socialism.

Far-left Portland mayoral candidate praises Joe Biden for saying, 'Antifa is an idea'



Far-left Portland mayoral candidate Sarah Iannarone praised Joe Biden for his comment about Antifa from the first presidential debate, where he said, "Antifa's an idea, not an organization." This comes at a time when Iannarone leads incumbent Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler (D) by double digits.

The eye-opening statement was made during Thursday night's debate between the candidates running for Portland mayor. KGW-TV anchor and debate moderator Laural Porter asked Iannarone, "You've been called the 'Antifa Mayor.' Are you Antifa and how would that guide how you would handle protests as mayor?"

Iannarone responded, "I love that Joe Biden answered this question before me, because being opposed to fascism in 2020 is not something to be embarrassed about."

"I have a bumper sticker from the beginning of my campaign that says #EverydayAntifascist," Iannarone said. "And what I have tried to do is normalize peaceful responses to the rise of white nationalism by organizing in my community."

"This summer when the Proud Boys came to town, I organized a menstrual product drive for my neighbors residing in the women's center," the Portland mayoral candidate answered. "Because the answer toxic masculinity is an inclusive, pluralist society where people of all backgrounds feel welcome."

When she is asked if she is "Antifa," Iannarone replied, "Antifa is not anything more than an idea, that's what vice president Biden explained to us. It's people who oppose anti-fascism. And I strongly oppose anti-fascism and I adopt and implement peaceful responses to that. And that is how I describe my position on this issue."

"Donald Trump has decided to make the enemy of groups of people who oppose his bullies and his militia forces," she continued. "But I'm not going to be caught up in that rhetoric because it's false. It creates division in our society. It creates division in our city. What we need is every single Portlander faced in the right direction, saying 'Hate is not welcome here.'"

Leading contender in Portland mayor race asked, “Are you Antifa?” Look how she answers. (Spoiler: YES) https://t.co/YMDxbiAFLA
— David Reaboi (@David Reaboi)1602215454.0

Last year, Iannarone declared, "I am antifa. I stand proudly beside the good people of this city organizing in countless ways every day to oppose hate in its myriad forms."

There is no shortage of footage from Portland of rioters, who appear to be Antifa supporters, causing massive damage to the city and businesses.

@MarySueSays @ozzie4pdxmayor I am antifa.I stand proudly beside the good people of this city organizing in countl… https://t.co/CFejYFz8Pr
— sarah iannarone (she/her) (@sarah iannarone (she/her))1569557779.0

During the debate, a Portland resident asked Iannarone what she would do about the "dangerous and violent" riots and if she would stop the city from being burned down night-after-night.

Iannarone skirted the question about rioters, and instead said she would hold the police accountable.

"We need equal enforcement of the law regardless of who is engaging in criminal activity," the candidate stated. "And as Portland mayor, I will not be able to control what any individual protester is doing in the streets. My job will be making sure that the police do their jobs, making sure they are held accountable for when they break procedure and even the law. That will be my job as Portland mayor, and ultimately, we'll have a police force that's well equipped to enforce the law without racial bias in the future."

"I condemn violence in all forms," Iannarone added. "I always have. But we must know that the answer to protests about police brutality cannot be increased police brutality."

EVEN MORE INSANE: Portland guy asks a really good question about how to stop the Antifa/BLM violence, because citiz… https://t.co/UO6S7Zp2Lb
— David Reaboi (@David Reaboi)1602216596.0

Speaking of skirts, Iannarone owns a skirt with some communist authoritarians printed on it, including Che Guevera, Joseph Stalin, and Chairman Mao.

Look at the skirt. https://t.co/kAu3a3PgUF
— Andy Ngô (@Andy Ngô)1601937891.0

Iannarone gave the Washington Examiner an explanation for wearing the unusual skirt.

"The picture in question was taken with Reverend Billy, whose spectacle of the absurd is a treat whenever it comes to town," Iannarone said. "I dressed flamboyantly that day in a skirt that features pop art — art that is meant to satirize the subjects. While most Americans are focused on stopping COVID from taking our lives and jobs, some internet commentators are focused on how I dressed during a performance art appearance in 2016. I'm focused on winning a Green New Deal and Housing for All Portlanders, not on false controversy meant to distract from real issues."

According to a poll of likely voters, Iannarone holds a significant 11-point lead over current Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler. The polls released this week found Iannarone at 41%, Wheeler at 30%, and the remaining 29% split between writing in a candidate (16%) or remaining undecided (13%), according to Willamette Week. The poll has a 4% margin of error.

74 rioters facing federal charges for crimes committed during Portland riots



The Department of Justice announced on Thursday that 74 people are facing federal charges for crimes committed during violent riots in Portland that have been happening since late May.

"For more than 90 consecutive nights, Portland has been home to large demonstrations and protests against police use of force and anti-Black racism," the Department of Justice statement reads. "On many nights, after peaceful demonstrations end, various public and private buildings have been the target of vandalism and destruction. Local, state, and federal law enforcement working to protect these buildings and ensure the safety of peaceful demonstrators have been subjected to threats and assaults from violent agitators while performing their duties."

"Violent agitators have hijacked any semblance of First Amendment protected activity, engaging in violent criminal acts and destruction of public safety," U.S. Attorney Willias said. "The U.S. Attorney's Office and our federal law enforcement partners are expeditiously working with local and state law enforcement to identify, arrest, and prosecute these individuals that are disrupting the rule of law in our communities and physically attacking our law enforcement officers and destroying property. Violent agitators not only delay real reform, but make our community less safe by keeping law enforcement from responding to other critical calls for service."

Charges include arson, destruction of federal property, assaulting a federal officer, unlawful use of a drone, and failing to obey lawful orders. You can find a list of the defendants and charges below.

The federal charges come at a time when President Donald Trump and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler (D) are quarreling over the use of federal law enforcement in Oregon's largest city that has been rocked by civil unrest.

On Aug. 25, Trump urged Wheeler and Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) to accept federal law enforcement.

"We again request Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown), the Governor of Oregon, and Mayor @TedWheeler of Portland, to call up the National Guard like should have been done 3 months ago," Trump tweeted. "They must stop calling these anarchists and agitators 'peaceful protestors'. Come back into the real world! The Federal Government is ready to end this problem immediately upon your request."

...They must stop calling these anarchists and agitators “peaceful protestors”. Come back into the real world! The… https://t.co/Mqr6GeMUQp
— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump)1598375682.0

Brown replied, "Oregon isn't interested in a role in your political theater, @realDonaldTrump. The @OregonGuard is focused on fighting wildfires, distributing PPE & helping with unemployment calls. I'd love to discuss what we actually need: financial resources, N-95 masks & testing supplies."

Oregon isn't interested in a role in your political theater, @realDonaldTrump. The @OregonGuard is focused on fight… https://t.co/GkgXaSwRy4
— Governor Kate Brown (@Governor Kate Brown)1598386755.0

Wheeler sent a letter to Trump on Friday, declining the president's offer to sent federal officers to Portland to help quell the riots.

"Dear President Trump. Yet again, you said you offered to aid Portland by sending in federal law enforcement to our city," Wheeler's letter read. "On behalf of the City of Portland: No thanks. We don't need your politics of division and demagoguery."

"When you sent the Feds to Portland last month, you made the situation far worse," Wheeler said. "Your offer to repeat that disaster is a cynical attempt to stoke fear and distract us from the real work of our city. In Portland, we are focused on coming together as a community to solve the serious challenges we face due to systemic racism, a global pandemic and an economic recession. Stay away, please."

Today, I sent this letter via email to @realDonaldTrump declining his recurring offer to aid Portland by sending f… https://t.co/QtUUQijTOj
— Mayor Ted Wheeler (@Mayor Ted Wheeler)1598644179.0

Trump responded, "If the incompetent Mayor of Portland, Ted Wheeler, doesn't get control of his city and stop the Anarchists, Agitators, Rioters and Looters, causing great danger to innocent people, we will go in and take care of matters the way they should have been taken care of 100 days ago!"

If the incompetent Mayor of Portland, Ted Wheeler, doesn’t get control of his city and stop the Anarchists, Agitato… https://t.co/ZR5rjAet0t
— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump)1598664783.0

As of Aug. 27, Portland Police have made 217 arrests at protests in the month of August, nearly three times the 77 arrests they made in all of July, according to the Portland Police Bureau. "About half of those occurred in the last week, when police declared riots five out of seven nights," The Oregonian reported on Thursday.

Friday marked the 93rd straight day of protests in Portland. A riot was declared by Portland Police after vandals set fire to the police union building.

Also on Friday night, Black Lives Matter protesters chained themselves together as a demonstration in Wheeler's apartment building lobby.

The 74 defendants federally charged by the DOJ include:

  • Edward Carubis, 24, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 1, 2020;
  • Rowan Olsen, 19, is charged (photos available) with creating a hazard on federal property, disorderly conduct, and failing to obey a lawful order on July 2, 2020;
  • Shant Singh Ahuja, 28, of Oceanside, California, is charged with destruction of federal property on July 4, 2020;
  • Gretchen Blank, 29, of Seattle, Washington, is charged (photos available) with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
  • Andrew Faulkner, 24, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
  • Christopher Fellini, 31, is charged (photos available) with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
  • Theodore Matthee-O'Brien, 21, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
  • Cody Porter, 28, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
  • Taimane Teo, 24, of Eugene, Oregon, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
  • Benjamin Wood-Pavich, 21, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
  • Jacob Gaines, 23, a Texas resident, is charged (photos available) with assaulting a federal officer on July 11, 2020;
  • Lillith Grin, 22, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 12, 2020;
  • Benjamin Bolen, 36, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 13, 2020;
  • Kevin Weier, 36, is charged with attempted arson on July 13, 2020;
  • Wyatt Ash-Milby, 18, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 21, 2020;
  • Jerusalem Callahan, 24, is charged with damaging government property on July 21, 2020;
  • Zachary Duffly, 45, is charged with creating a disturbance on July 21, 2020;
  • Caleb Ehlers, 23, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 21, 2020;
  • Paul Furst, 22, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 21, 2020;
  • Jennifer Kristiansen, 38, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 21, 2020;
  • Ella Miller, 26, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 21, 2020;
  • Marie Sager, 27, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 21, 2020;
  • Giovanni Bondurant, 19, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 22, 2020;
  • Bailey Dreibelbis, 22, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 21, 2020;
  • Gabriel Huston, 22, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 22, 2020;
  • Joseph Lagalo, 37, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 22, 2020;
  • Taylor Lemons, 32, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 22, 2020;
  • Joseph Ybarra, 21, is charged with arson on July 22, 2020;
  • David Hazan, 24, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 23, 2020;
  • Nicholas Kloiber, 26, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 23, 2020;
  • Cameron Knutson, 28, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 23, 2020;
  • Carly Ballard, 34, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 24, 2020;
  • David Bouchard, 36, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 24, 2020;
  • Dakota Eastman, 30, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 24, 2020;
  • Josslynn Kreutz, 28, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 24, 2020;
  • Ezra Meyers, 18, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 24, 2020;
  • Mark Rolycanov, 28, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 24, 2020;
  • Pablo Avvocato, 26, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
  • Douglas Dean, 34, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
  • Rebecca Mota Gonzales, 37, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
  • Thomas Johnson, 33, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
  • Richard Lindstedt, 33, is charged with violating national defense airspace on July 25, 2020;
  • Nathan Onderdonk-Snow, 21, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
  • Stephen O'Donnell, 65, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
  • Joshua Webb, 22, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
  • Jeffree Cary, 30, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 26, 2020;
  • John Tyler Gabriel, 22, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 26, 2020;
  • Noelle Mandolfo, 30, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 26, 2020;
  • Patrick Stafford, 35, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 26, 2020;
  • Travis Williams, 27, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 26, 2020;
  • Caleb Wills, 29, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 26, 2020;
  • Brodie Storey, 28, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 27, 2020;
  • Edward Schinzing, 32, is charged (photos available) with arson on July 28, 2020;
  • James Hickerson, 54, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 28, 2020;
  • Ian Wolf, 26, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order and creating a hazard on federal property on July 28, 2020;
  • Sabastian Dubar, 23, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 29, 2020;
  • Jordan Johnson, 32, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 29, 2020;
  • Evan Kriechbaum, 31, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 29, 2020;
  • Christine Margaux, 28, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 29, 2020;
  • Gabriel Agard-Berryhill, 18, is charged (video available) with arson on July 30, 2020;
  • Isaiah Maza, 18, is charged (photos available) with assaulting a federal officer on July 31, 2020;
  • Dakotah Horton, 24, is charged (photos available) with assaulting a federal officer on August 17, 2020; and
  • Dakota Means, 20, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on August 24, 2020.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler's strategy to quell rioting in the city: Let it 'burn itself out'



Portland Democratic Mayor Ted Wheeler has an innovative new strategy to quell riots in the Oregon city that have continued to rage on every night for more than three months. That is, do nothing in particular.

"I believe [the nightly violence] will ultimately burn itself out," Wheeler said during a recent interview with Oregon Public Broadcasting reporter Rebecca Ellis.

The message of inaction from the mayor is likely a disappointing one for many residents as well as law enforcement in the city who continue to face assaults from violent protesters on a nightly basis — not to mention the businesses forced to flee the destruction.

Federal agents had previously been deployed to the city to protect a federal courthouse there and help bring law and order, but that didn't exactly fit Wheeler's hands-off strategy.

Now the mayor, who has failed time and again to offer clear direction to law enforcement on how to handle the violence, has apparently left police to their own devices only to critique actions after the fact.

According to Ellis, Wheeler receives a report every morning on the protests that took place the night before and sometimes will follow-up with why specific tactics were used, but essentially leaves decisions on how to handle the riots up to police.

"They've tried everything from not showing up to preemptively dispersing crowds, and some of those strategies, in my opinion, have worked well. Others have not worked well," Wheeler told Ellis. "My expectation is the police bureau will evolve, and as they see a need for change, they'll change."

At one point last week, the report noted, Wheeler even considered the "high risk" plan of ordering police to stand down from the demonstrations, but balked ultimately before implementing it.

Now he says he is "considering all options" under the "core objective ... to create a free and safe space to those people who want to express their First Amendment rights," but that he hasn't identified how best to do that yet.

In the meantime, he's urging residents to stay patient. After all, he argued, these types of civil rights movements take time.

"I want to remind people when they say, 'when is this all going to end?' the nonviolent part of this probably won't end for quite some time," Wheeler said. "And I'm reminded regularly by people in this community who were engaged in the struggle for civil rights: The civil rights movement lasted a lot longer than two and a half months."

The Madness Ravaging America's Cities | Ep 280

The Madness Ravaging America's Cities | Ep 280

The Mayor of Portland Asks For The National Guard After Letting His City Burn for Weeks

The Mayor of Portland Asks For The National Guard After Letting His City Burn for Weeks