Oregon law enforcement agencies are bracing for Inauguration Day protests, but which events will happen and what will unfold, if anything, is up to time. Threats of violence have been made across the nation, it is unclear if they will materialize in Oregon.
There has been talk online of a potential alt-right event at the Capitol and Salem has seen several of these events turn violent in recent months. However, the most recent gathering of right-wing groups, on Sunday, Jan. 17, drew only a handful of protesters. What the event will look like or if there is one remains to be seen.
Portland is expecting an anti-government event starting mid-day. It has been named “J20: F*** the state. F*** Biden. Land Back. F*** 12.” Flyers for the event state “no streamers” and “no peace police.”
Other protests are possible and have been promoted as well.
In a press event today, Oregon law enforcement gathered to discuss public safety for the coming days. The law enforcement agencies present included local agencies such as Salem Police Department [SPD] and Portland Police Bureau. State agencies were present including Oregon State Police [OSP]. Federal agencies including the Portland FBI and the Federal Protective Service were represented. The Oregon National Guard, which was mobilized to assist in the event of violence, was present too.
SPD and OSP will be focused on any protests near the Oregon State Capitol. The FBI and National Guard may provide support if necessary.
SPD’s Chief, Trevor Womack, stated their goal for managing protests was to prevent acts of violence and property damage. They will focus on denying unlawful occupation of buildings and keeping opposing groups separate. He committed to follow up investigations, if violence does occur. Womack stressed that decisions will remain neutral and decisions will be made in the interest of public safety.
“I want to assure everyone that the Salem Police Department stands neutral… making our decisions during protests based on the neutral interest of public safety alone regardless of any views expressed by any individual or group,” Womack said.
On a similar note, OSP’s Superintendent, Terri Davie, expressed their goals to protect rights and property. She stated that they want to keep all events peaceful, as did others present.
“The Department of Justice, the United States Attorney’s Office and all of our law enforcement partners are committed to doing everything we can to facilitate a safe and peaceful inauguration day,” Oregon’s U.S. Attorney Billy Williams said.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Kieran Ramsey said on the call that the FBI will be investigating and working to identify anyone perpetrating or planning acts of violence. Ramsey expressed the possibility of events involving locations previously targeted, such as federal or big government buildings, and soft targets, “whether those be houses of worship, minority organizations, other government offices or something else.” Ramsey said that, as of now, they do not have any information of planned attacks on soft targets, but they encourage people to be aware and cautious.
The law enforcement representatives agreed that they will not tolerate political violence and reaffirmed their desire to keep events peaceful.
What will happen in the coming days in Oregon and across the nation is unclear. The Clypian will continue to provide updates on events in the Salem area as they unfold.
