US watchdogs to probe crackdowns in Portland, DC

LOS ANGELES: The US justice department’s independent watchdog announced on Thursday that it was launching investigations into the use of force by federal agents in Portland and Washington, DC.

The move comes following outrage by members of Congress, as well as activists and the public, over daily violent clashes in Portland between federal forces and demonstrators protesting over racism and police brutality.

A separate review is being conducted over a crackdown against protesters in the US capital’s Lafayette Square on June 1 near the White House, ahead of a photo op by President Donald Trump in front of a church.

The department of homeland security said its internal watchdog was also conducting an investigation.