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From Daryl Turner, President
Portland Police Association
503.225.9760
September 24, 2020

How Much Violence Is Enough? 

Earlier this month, a man was murdered during a demonstration. He was gunned down. In the middle of downtown. How did Portland's City Council respond? Some tweets. Some press conferences. Lots of words. But we didn’t see leadership. We didn’t see results. Instead, the violence continues.

A few nights ago, we almost had another murder on our streets when two individuals associated with nearby demonstrations got into an altercation, with one shooting the other. Last night, multiple Molotov cocktails were thrown at police officers; one officer was hit and narrowly escaped serious injury.

This weekend, our City is bracing for what could be widespread violence from dueling protests. When thousands of far-right and far-left combatants—armed with guns, knives, and explosives—face off in North Portland on Saturday, what will Mayor Wheeler allow our police officers to do to keep the peace?

Mayor Wheeler has already banned the one essential tool that we had to disperse violent rioters when lives are in danger. Banning CS gas from use in the most limited of circumstances—like when Molotov cocktails are thrown or guns fired by demonstrators—is so mind-numbingly reckless that the Governor’s top cop at State Police and our elected County Sheriff won’t help this weekend. Think about that: our top police executives are telling the Mayor that his decision to ban CS gas is wrong and will result in civilians and officers getting hurt or even killed.

The men and women of the Portland Police Bureau will do everything in their power to keep the peace in our City. If any of our community members or officers are hurt or killed, we will hold our elected officials responsible. Reckless public policy has real consequences. You’ve had your chance to lead. You’ve failed to do so. I pray that our City is spared from further violence this weekend.
Daryl Turner, President
Portland Police Association
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