Governor Kate Brown has announced a law enforcement plan to keep the peace, protect free speech, and prevent violence and intimidation on Election Day, and in the days that follow, in the City of Portland. With the support of local elected officials, the Governor is exercising her executive authority under ORS Chapter 401 to create a joint incident command structure, with the Superintendent of State Police and the Multnomah County Sheriff in charge of public safety in Portland from 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2 until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, unless extended or rescinded earlier. The Governor has also directed the Oregon National Guard to place its members trained in crowd control on standby in the event they are needed to support law enforcement efforts.

“Especially this year, there are unique dynamics at play that may create an environment ripe for a heated Election Day, and post-election period. This election also comes at a pivotal moment in Oregon, where the pandemic, wildfires and political atmosphere have boosted fear and anxiety,” said Governor Brown. “We’ve seen firsthand what happens when free expression is fueled by hate. We know that there are some people who might use peaceful election night protests to promote violence and property destruction.

“This behavior is not acceptable and it’s not in line with our Oregon values of being an inclusive democracy.

“Every Oregonian has the right to express themselves freely and to peacefully assemble. However, I want to be clear that voter intimidation and political violence will not be tolerated. Not from the Left, the Right, or the Center. Not this week, not any week in Oregon.

“It is my goal as Governor to ensure the safety of Oregonians, especially as they exercise their fundamental right to vote and practice free speech.”

As such, I am exercising my authority to put the Superintendent of State Police, Terri Davie, and the Multnomah County Sheriff, Michael Reese, in charge of public safety in Portland this week. I have also directed General Stencel to call up our National Guard, should their services be deemed necessary. This is our entire community coming together to protect Oregonians and ensure that every eligible voter feels safe exercising their right to vote. I am using my executive authority to ensure the highest level of coordination, and adequate resources and personnel. If you take one thing away from today’s press conference, let it be this: violence is never the answer. We stand here today urging all Oregonians to commit to nonviolent expression. We can all do our part to stay calm, cool and collected this week.

One Legislative Leader who declined to be identified said, “The Governor is trying to blame mostly non-existing, non-disruptive, non-violent people for violence that has not yet -- nor most likely will not -- occur. All this after standing on the sidelines while Black Lives Matter and Antifa tear up businesses and public property. Governor Brown needs to focus on real problems that impact real people, not some imagined boogeyman of 'white supremacists' and militias.”


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-11-02 11:31:50

Last Update: 2020-11-02 12:33:11