Far right and anti-fascists clash in Portland
Video showed people falling to ground in terror
WASHINGTON • Violent clashes between members of the far-right Proud Boys group and anti-fascist protesters in Portland culminated in a firefight on Sunday, in the latest clash between political extremists in the Oregon city.
Hundreds had gathered at opposing rallies in the city on Sunday before the two sides engaged in skirmishes, in some instances deploying chemicals and smashing car windows.
The confrontation took place in the heart of the city’s downtown in the early evening. At least one man was arrested for firing a gun at demonstrators although no injuries were reported.
Footage from the demonstrations showed groups of people dropping to the ground in terror as gunshots rang out in the streets.
The counter rallies in Portland came on the anniversary of a similarly violent clash between competing protests last year, which culminated in two protesters being shot and killed.
Portland has become a magnet for clashes between extremists since a string of demonstrations in the wake of the murder of George Floyd last May.
As recently as Aug. 7, a black-clad Antifa group and a band of people wearing the colours of the Proud Boys were reported to have exchanged shots of pepper spray and paint balls after an open-air religious meeting led by a conservative pastor.
In Sunday’s clashes, violence broke out in two parts of the city.
Local media reported that more than 200 left-wing protesters, some of whom identified as Antifa, gathered near Tom Mccall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland to oppose a right-wing rally attended by members of the Proud Boys.
Proud Boys describes itself as a collective of “Western chauvinists” and advocates for political violence. Members often wear black and yellow polo shirts.
The far-right rally of roughly 100 people, was held five miles away at a car park of a former Kmart and clashes began as it wound down.
Video footage showed some of the crowd wearing pro-trump apparel while black-clad Antifa groups patrolled the scene.
By late afternoon, heavily armed splinter groups from both sides had engaged in clashes. At one point, a van attempted to drive into the parking lot but crashed before the driver ran away.
Hours later a firefight ensued in the downtown area.
Dustin Brandon Ferreira, 37, a left-wing activist, told Oregonlive that he was with a group of protesters on Sunday evening when a man used a racial slur against one of their group and then fired rounds in their direction.
Portland police said the man was arrested.
Footage taken by one witness showed shots being fired towards the suspected shooter, although it was unclear who fired the first shots.
The incident recalled a similar, but lethal, episode last year when Aaron Danielson, a 39-year-old supporter of the far-right Patriot Prayer group, was shot dead on Aug. 29, 2020.
The suspected shooter, Michael Reinoehl, a 48-yearold anti-fascist activist who provided security for Black Lives Matter protesters, was shot and killed by police in Washington state days later as they tried to arrest him.
City officials had been expecting protests in the run up to the anniversary of Danielson’s shooting, but critics argued they had failed to maintain a heavy police presence.