Right-wing protesters in Oregon swarmed around the capital early Monday, calling for an end to COVID-19 restrictions and the resignation of the state’s Democratic governor.
Video of the incident obtained by Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) showed police in riot gear colliding with protesters, described by the news service as armed with bear mace and some firearms. Protesters could be heard calling for the removal of Gov. Kate Brown
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Protesters demanding permission to enter the Capitol for the session chased dozens of Salem officers and state police. Now chant “arrest Kate Brown.” #orleg #orpol pic.twitter.com/rRC7E5oLX4
– Dirk VanderHart (@dirquez) December 21, 2020
Oregon State Police did not immediately return a request for comment from The Hill about the number of arrests on the spot, where police declared an unlawful meeting and ordered the protesters to disperse, or whether agents involved were injured.
“OSP is encouraging people to exercise their first amendment rights, but it must be done legally. If you commit a crime, you will be arrested,” the department said on Twitter.
OSP & @SalemPoliceDept responded to activities at the Oregon State Capitol https://t.co/w1WUn0cgNa
OSP encourages people to exercise their first change rights, but it must be done legally. If you commit a crime, you will be arrested. pic.twitter.com/j10TFbSsQ6
– Oregon State Police (@ORStatePolice) December 21, 2020
OPB reporters identified the protesters as members of Patriot Prayer, a local right-wing organization that regularly organizes armed demonstrations in the Portland area. Photos of the demonstration’s conclusion indicated that at least two members of the group were arrested after refusing to leave the scene.
In a clash between members of Patriot Prayer and anti-Trump protesters earlier this year, a member of the group was killed.