Portland police cleared a protester encampment at Lownsdale Square early on Thursday at the request of Oregon State Police, following scuffles and running incidents of brutality by law enforcement against Black Lives Matter protesters.
Portland police said Lownsdale Square, neighbouring Chapman Square and the pavements surrounding them will remain closed, in order to allow repairs to be carried out.
One protester said the demonstrators would continue to gather, and accused police of using “weapons that are illegal.”
“They are also in violation of civil rights, but we will continue to protest peacefully,” Sonia added.
Portland resident Shelly said she felt it was “that the government and the leaders here stepped up and took care of business, did their job and protect the property and protect the people, all people.”
Portland has seen several months of protests, which started in late May following the death of George Floyd and gained traction over the past few days as federal officers were deployed in the area, sparking renewed tensions.
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