Justice Department Explored Charging Portland Officials In Protests

Topline

The U.S. Department of Justice looked into whether it could pursue charges against city officials in Portland, Oregon, as heated nightly protests persisted, a department spokesperson said on Thursday, as the Trump administration continues to escalate its crackdown on protest-related violence.

Key Facts

Chief Critic

“The Department of Justice cannot become a political weapon operated at the behest of the President to target those who have spoken out against this administration’s actions,” Durkan, a former U.S. attorney, said on Wednesday in response to reports of Barr weighing charges. “That is an act of tyranny, not of democracy.”

Key Background 

While largely peaceful, Black Lives Matter protests in some cities have ended in violence and destruction in the months following Floyd’s death in Minneapolis, Missouri. Portland turned into a battleground between the Trump administration and local government after federal troops arrived in the city to defend the federal courthouse despite protest from Mayor Wheeler and Oregon Gov. Kate Brown. Both sides blamed each other for escalating violence until federal forces agreed to a phased withdrawal from the city in late-July. The Justice Department’s inspector general has since opened an investigation into the federal law enforcement response to protests in Portland, Oregon, and Washington, D.C., following complaints from Congress and the public.

Crucial Quote 

“The people of Portland, like all other cities & parts of our great country, want Law & Order,” Trump wrote in a string of tweets skewering Wheeler at the end of last month. “The Radical Left Democratic Mayors, like the dummy running Portland … will never be able to do it!” 

Further Reading

“AG Barr Reportedly Tells Prosecutors To Charge Violent Protesters With Conspiracy To Overthrow Government” (Forbes)

“Many Arrested In Portland Won’t Be Prosecuted, DA Says” (Forbes)

“Defense Secretary Becomes Latest Public Official To Voice Concern Over Federal Agents In Portland” (Forbes)