/https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/5f2338ee0e4871dc0fcf29d5/0x0.jpg?cropX1=0&cropX2=5151&cropY1=260&cropY2=3159&w=1920&resize=1920,0&ssl=1 "Trump Calls Portland Protesters ‘Anarchists’ And ‘Agitators.’ Data Shows Otherwise.")
TOPLINE
Despite President Trump’s assertions that protesters in Portland, Oregon, are dangerous “anarchists” and “agitators” who “hate our country,” a new analysis of arrest records by the Associated Press shows the vast majority are local residents without criminal records.
Federal officers arrest a protester after dispersing a crowd of a few hundred people from in front … [+]
Getty Images
KEY FACTS
An AP analysis of court documents, social media posts and other public records found even those charged with crimes don’t fit Trump’s sweeping depiction of protesters as “anarchists and agitators,” repeated Thursday morning on Twitter.
While among the arrested were some provocateurs, many were Black Lives Matter activists who have been on the streets protesting since George Floyd’s death in May.
Others were marching with the headline-dominating Wall of Moms and Wall of Dads when they were arrested.
According to the AP, 95% of those arrested by police or federal agents were local to Portland and the vast majority had no criminal record in the state.
The average age of those arrested was 28, and many appeared to be college students.
Most were charged with misdemeanors for failing to comply with lawful order, however, some face felonies for arson or assault on an officer—the analysis shows the arrival of federal officers drew an increased number of black-clad provocateurs.
According to court records, the majority of the people charged with more serious offenses are white, and some have committed crimes prior.
Big Number: 94
The number of arrests federal agents have made in Portland since July 4, according to Acting Homeland Secretary Chief Chad Wolf.
Crucial Quote
“Each night, lawless anarchists destroy and desecrate property, including the federal courthouse, and attack the brave law enforcement officers protecting it,” Wolf said during a visit to Portland mid-July. “Instead of addressing violent criminals in their communities, local and state leaders are instead focusing on placing blame on law enforcement and requesting fewer officers in their community. This failed response has only emboldened the violent mob.”
Key Background
The notion of outside agitators infiltrating protests is not far-fetched and has arisen as a reality numerous times throughout the past few months of anti-racism protests. On Tuesday, police announced connections between a tall man caught on video smashing the windows of a Minneapolis auto parts store two days after Floyd’s death—dubbed “Umbrella man”—and white supremacist group, the Aryan Cowboys. “Boogaloos” and other right-wing extremist groups have also been suspected of sparking violence at demonstrations. Trump has accused the left-wing anti-fascist political group, Antifa, of orchestrating violence and looting, but scant evidence supports those claims.
News Peg
Gov. Kate Brown announced Wednesday that following discussions with D.C. officials, the Trump administration had agreed to a “partial withdrawal” of federal officers from Portland. Trump and Wolf have since insisted that troops will remain in the city until they are confident the federal courthouse has been secured.
Further Reading
“Protesters vary as much as their arrests, AP analysis shows” (Associated Press)
“US official visits Portland, calls protesters ‘anarchists’” (Associated Press)
“Trump Contradicts Oregon Governor: Feds Are Not Leaving Portland” (Forbes)
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