Mayor Wheeler Introducing Plan To Limit Protests, Curb Violence

PORTLAND, OR – Mayor Ted Wheeler is all too familiar with the violent protests that have gripped the city over the past two years. He's seen officers injured, protesters injured, and bystanders chased and attacked.

Wheeler says that enough is enough.

While the head of the police union recently said that Portland has become "one of the most politically violent cities in America," Wheeler says that it doesn't have to be that way.

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“Portland is one of the most vibrant, livable and economically prosperous cities in the U.S, and we have a robust history of peaceful demonstrations — but in recent years we’ve become a magnet for agitators either with a history of -- or an expressed intent to be violent,” says Mayor Wheeler. “We created common-sense, content-neutral legislation to protect the safety and property of the public.”

Saying that he recognizes the impact that the violence has on businesses, residents, and community safety, Wheeler announced Wednesday that at next week's City Council meeting he will introduce the "Protest Safety Ordinance."

The mayor says that the ordinance would protect First Amendment guarantees but would establish specific guidelines on where and when demonstrations could happen as is the case in cities including Las Vegas, Pittsburg, Long Beach, Cincinnati, Springfield, and Raleigh.

Wheeler's office points out that similar regulations have faced legal challenges in cities including New York, Seattle, Denver, Colorado Springs, and Tacoma – and survived.

"Portland is one of the most vibrant, livable and economically prosperous cities in the U.S, and we have a robust history of peaceful demonstrations — but in recent years we’ve become a magnet for agitators either with a history of -- or an expressed intent to be violent," Wheeler says.

Just three weeks ago, four people needed medical treatment after violence erupted between the left-wing group, Antifa, and members of the right-wing Patriots Prayer.

Police said after the march that protesters on both sides had been well-armed with guns, knives, batons, and more.

That led to police union chief Daryl Turner's comments on protests in the city.

"Lawlessness, aggression, and violence have replaced peaceful protests," Turner said last month. "In a harshly divided nation, we have become a stark example of what happens when fringe groups get exactly what they ask for with their grandstanding – attention."

Turner says that city officials need to "openly and collectively decry the violence and destruction forced upon the many and caused by a few.

He adds that people "who endanger or victimize others should be held accountable for their actions.

"Our officers and our community face those who believe they can harass, assault, and victimize Portlanders at will with no threat of arrest, indictment, or conviction. Our job as law enforcement is to protect the public and enforce the law."

Wheeler is hopeful his ordinance can make a difference.

"We created common-sense, content-neutral legislation to protect the safety and property of the public," he says.

Photo via City of Portland