Video is just starting to hit Twitter of a potentially explosive confrontation that seems to be underway in downtown Portland today between the regular Antifa/BLM rioters, and a group of counter-protesters who have showed up with American Flags and with signs expressing support for the police.
The identity of the counter-protesters remains unclear at this point, although there are some indicates that the right-wing group “Proud Boys” are involved.
Here is a video from around Noon on Saturday showing the presence of the counter-protesters downtown. Notably absent from any of the videos I have seen are any police uniforms.
There groups all around justice center: Trump bikers, Patriot flag waivers, Pop Mob, BLM protestors pic.twitter.com/YDYyXqJXtg
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) August 22, 2020
Adding to the volatility of the situation, several individuals armed with AR-15 type assault rifles slung over their shoulders appear in support of the counter-protesters.
Multiple men with AR-15s have just arrived in support of the blue lives rally. The look to be loaded. #PortlandProtests#PDXprotests #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/ewFJrIwEKl
— Justin Yau (@PDocumentarians) August 22, 2020
But once the presence of the counter-protesters became more wide-known, the Antifa/BLM rioters began to grow in numbers.
Right wing & left wing protesters clashim front of the justice center. Projectiles, pepper spray, & paintballs are flying across the lines. #PortlandProtests #PDXProtests #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/gBKfzkXYKT
— Justin Yau (@PDocumentarians) August 22, 2020
Eventually, the two-sides clashed in substantial numbers due to the absence of Portland Police in sufficient numbers to keep them apart.
Right wing groups attempt to push into Chapman Square Park, an area occupied by #BlackLivesMatter groups. #PortlandProtests #PDXProtests #BlackLivesMatte pic.twitter.com/ynxwAym5UK
— Justin Yau (@PDocumentarians) August 22, 2020
Portland pic.twitter.com/SsLpxBheZS
— Maria Viti Teleporter Extraordinar (@selfdeclaredref) August 22, 2020
The number of counter-protesters shown initially to be on the street does not seem sufficient to have “pushed” into Chapman Square Park which is across the street from the Portland Justice Center. The fact that they did so, and the video of the confrontation, suggests that the number of counter-protesters grew substantially from the few dozen seen initially waiving American flags.
Via Villain Phoenix https://t.co/AQKDU9m2MZ
More war zone scenes in #Portland pic.twitter.com/2VBfu9lDxf— Kitty Shackleford (@KittyLists) August 22, 2020
Black lives matter push as blue lives retreats pic.twitter.com/UAxFz3ZdgM
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 22, 2020
Antifa/BLM keep advancing with their shield line #Portland
via Villain Phoenix https://t.co/AQKDU9m2MZ pic.twitter.com/qrLWGnNCmy— Kitty Shackleford (@KittyLists) August 22, 2020
At least one BLM Snack Van was put to rest.
Rest in power, snack van
via @Villain_Phoenix https://t.co/AQKDU9m2MZ#Portland pic.twitter.com/jk6lk9DYHr— Kitty Shackleford (@KittyLists) August 22, 2020
Nearly an hour after it began, it looks like Department of Homeland Security emerged from the Federal Courthouse and began to lead the “Back the Blue” group away.
DHS staged edge of park. pic.twitter.com/bs6qLAmCWp
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 22, 2020
DHS leads some blue lives matter folks out. As they start leaving PPB declared it an unlawful assembly pic.twitter.com/RMijPM8SSm
— Griffin – Live from Portland (@GriffinMalone6) August 22, 2020
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