Despite enabling the "Defund the Police" movement, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler has now issued an Emergency Declaration on Gun Violence to address the mounting problem of gun violence in Portland.

In his declaration, Wheeler has tasked various city departments with measures aimed at curbing gun-related violence. Critics noted that Wheeler, who ended the Gang Enforcement Task Force, euphemistically targets gangs by noting that "research shows that the majority of gun homicides and shootings in Portland are related to group/network involved individuals." The phrase "Group/Network" indicates gang activity, according to experts.

In his declaration, he calls out the Portland Bureau of Transportation, asking them "to help address gun violence hot spots in the public right-of-way, including but not limited to and in coordination with the Commissioner-in-Charge, expedited permitting for community events identified by the Incident Commander related to gun violence, place-based interventions like modification of traffic flow, and increased lighting in areas within PBOT’s control."

Wheeler called on Portland Parks and Recreation, to take measures "as to management of parks, including but not limited to and in coordination with the Commissioner-in-Charge expedited permitting for community and Parks events identified by the Incident Commander related to gun violence, park staffing, and hours of operation. "

He has even tasked Safer Summer PDX 2022 to "coordinate relevant City services to combine resources and personnel necessary to address gun violence through a variety of approaches, including outreach to individuals most at risk of being victimized by or perpetrating gun violence, procurement of services and issuance of grants to aid in the prevention of and response to gun violence."

Kevin Starrett, the director of the Oregon Firearms Federation commented "Ted Wheeler has promised to address skyrocketing crime by offering the most violent offenders 'life coaches.' We think the millions wasted on that would be better spent helping the law abiding to protect themselves. Because clearly the Portland Police can't."

According to the document, "from January 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022, there were 673 shooting incidents in the City of Portland."


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-07-24 15:32:21

Last Update: 2022-07-24 20:35:58