In a last minute press conference by Oregon governor Kate Brown, in conjunction with members of the command staff; Portland Police Chief Chuck Levelle, Oregon State Police Superintendent Terri Davie, Multnomah County Sheriff Mike Reece, and Major General Michael Stencel of the Oregon National Guard lay out plans to quell uprisings, and voter suppression.

The Governor plead for peace.

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.

Amidst a barrage of Oregon media inquiries into numbers, strategy and troop locations, The Joint Command Staff played their cards close. Questions were answered in very broad generalized terms, regarding what will be required of law enforcement, Terri Davies of the OSP states "we're not really sure what to expect", regarding levels of unrest. It appears law enforcement will grow in numbers and be given additional tools to meet whatever they should encounter. Mike Reece and Davie insisted that communication within the task force is pivotal and the core of the operation. Major General Stencel assured viewers that the National Guard was for support only, and would remain unarmed.

When asked, about the use of tear gas, Governor Brown answered in the affirmative, tear gas will be permitted, but only under the most extreme circumstances. "Let me clear, we're going to do everything in our power to protect free speech and keep the peace" said Brown. "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."

According to Superintendent Davie, officers who were deputized last month, for a Proud Boys Rally, are still deputized, but have no additional roles. Davie states the deputation would only apply on the back end, when individuals, arrested for violence are prosecuted. Assaulting a Federal Deputy is a Federal offense. Therefore, assault on any deputized officer would no longer fall to liberal Multnomah County D.A Mike Schmidt, but federal prosecutors instead.

Brown made it very clear that the use of newly deputized Marshall's "are not part of the plan", the Governor has also expressed frustration and remorse after realizing a Federal Marshall's deputation is for a year, and not capable of being used over a weekend to target political dissidents, like the Proud Boys.

Beginning Monday night at 5pm, the task force will be in effect, working to protect voters, stop voter suppression, and keep the peace, ensuring all are allowed to assemble and express themselves. Many expect demonstrations from leftist groups, like Antifa and Black Lives Matter, no matter the outcome of the election -- despite warnings that the source of unrest will be patriot and militia groups.

During questioning, the Governor said, "We can make sure that...we can keep the peace and that people can protest peacefully and that no further property destruction can occur."


--Breeauna Sagdal

Post Date: 2020-11-02 16:43:17

Last Update: 2020-11-03 11:32:22