Mayor of Portland declares state of emergency amid riots

May 30, 2020 Michael US 0

Screengrab via Mayor Ted Wheeler’s Saturday press conference.

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 10:25 AM PT — Saturday, May 30, 2020

The mayor of Portland has issued a state of emergency and a curfew for the city after George Floyd protests overtook the streets. On Saturday, Ted Wheeler confirmed the move and said a curfew will be in place this weekend between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

I have officially declared a State of Emergency.

Curfew immediately in effect until 6:00 am today.

Resumes Saturday evening at 8:00 pm and lifts 6:00 am Sunday morning.

— Mayor Ted Wheeler (@tedwheeler) May 30, 2020

What began as a peaceful vigil on Friday night turned into riots, which Wheeler said “burned, looted and tore apart” the city. At least three shootings erupted, 13 people were arrested and at least two police officers sustained minor injuries.

The mall has been broken into and people are trying to loot it. Other rioters started fires in the middle of downtown Portland. #antifa #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/dOqSJ2Xyfo

— Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) May 30, 2020

The chaos was mainly centered around the city’s Justice Center, where demonstrators broke windows, vandalized and set the building on fire.

“Any injustice in this nation is an injustice to the people here in our community, that’s why you saw such widespread action yesterday. There was no community in this country that could escape the reality. …I cannot stand by and watch our city be destroyed. I cannot stand by and watch buildings be set aflame while people are still in them. I will not tolerate that.” – Ted Wheeler, Mayor of Portland

I want to remind you how yesterday started. It started with powerful and peaceful vigils and demonstrations. Calling out and speaking truth on the murder of George Floyd and many other black men and women.https://t.co/af5lS6il2b

— Mayor Ted Wheeler (@tedwheeler) May 30, 2020

The fire at the city’s Justice Center building was quickly extinguished and no injuries have been reported.

Masked militants ransacking the Justice Center in downtown Portland. Many came prepared with chemicals to start fires and weapons to break windows. #antifa #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/jkJCu3bc2n

— Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) May 30, 2020

Moving forward, Mayor Wheeler said he hopes the community can work together to address the anger and frustration of the city.