PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Police Association has issued a statement entitled "Line in the Sand" which calls for enabling free speech but quickly quelling violent outbreaks at political events.
"It’s time to draw a line in the sand and let people know that unequivocally, there will be no violence accepted in peaceful protests," union president Daryl Turner wrote. "And our City Council must support our officers when we act to preserve public safety."
A frightening brawl broke out Oct. 13 between members of right-wing Patriot Prayer and left-wing Antifa. Portland police reported that combatants had hard-knuckled gloves, guns, knives, batons and pepper spray. Four people needed medical attention.
There were no arrests.
"Portland has become one of the most politically violent cities in America," Turner said. "Lawlessness, aggression, and violence have replaced peaceful protests. In a harshly divided nation, we have become a stark example of what happens when fringe groups get exactly what they ask for with their grandstanding — attention."
After the most recent fight, Mayor Ted Wheeler promised a crackdown on street fighting.
“I will not allow continued, planned street violence between rival factions to take place in Portland, Oregon. And I will ask those in positions of influence — elected officials, lawyers and law enforcement, community organizations, and people of conscience — to join with me,” Wheeler said.
Wheeler plans to have ordinances drafted that would allow him, as police commissioner, to decide how long, where and many people participate in demonstrations that include competing interests.
Turner said at the time he supports the move but only if the new rules do not infringe on free speech.
Wheeler's new direction was met with alarm from the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon.
"The mayor’s proposal grants broad authority to the mayor’s office to regulate constitutionally-protected speech and assembly with no meaningful oversight for abuse . . . to be clear, we already have laws against street fighting and violence," said ACLU Oregon Legal Director Mat dos Santos.
In his "Line in the Sand" statement, Turner writes that "our job as law enforcement is to protect the public and enforce the law. People who endanger or victimize others should be held accountable for their actions."
In response to Turner's statement, Wheeler tweeted, in part, that he will always support free speech but will never tolerate violence.