OPB
In a press conference Thursday, Portland Police Chief Bob Day said the agency wants the public’s help to identify demonstrators who had occupied the library but fled the scene when officers entered that morning. Government leaders reiterated their frustration Friday with the nature of the campus protest.
“The criminal activity that has occurred in downtown Portland in the last few days is unacceptable and in direct opposition to Oregon values,” Gov. Tina Kotek said in a press conference Friday. “As your governor, I understand that there is a clear line between exercising free speech and peaceful protest, and discriminatory harassment, violence and property damage. That line was crossed this week and law enforcement authorities appropriately intervened.”
Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB
Many of the people arrested in the protests faced arraignment on Friday, yet found plenty of support on their way in and out of the courtroom. Some walked out of their hearings at the Multnomah County Justice Center to small crowds clapping for them. Outside the courthouse, demonstrators offered words of support, food and even gift baskets.
Ivy Benedetti, a Portland Community College student arrested Thursday at PSU’s library, said she was nervous about her criminal charges but felt better after getting appointed an attorney. Benedetti said she hoped to talk further with her attorney about her case.
“I haven’t had any advice or help, really,” Benedetti said.
Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB
At the arraignment, Bijal Patel, of the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, told four people that they were not facing criminal charges. A spokesperson told OPB that two people were experiencing homelessness and had been unaware of the police presence until arrests began, and another two voluntarily left the library at the police’s instruction.
During the hearing, however, Patel said the decision doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t face criminal charges later.
Read more at
https://www.opb.org/article/2024/05/03/portland-state-protests-arrests/
