Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad WolfChad WolfLawmakers slam DHS watchdog following report calling for 'multi-year transformation' Intel heads to resume worldwide threats hearing scrapped under Trump Sunday shows preview: Democrats eye passage of infrastructure bill; health experts warn of fourth coronavirus wave MORE on Thursday lambasted the city of Portland, Ore., for its handling of protests that dominated its downtown area since the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the end of May.
Wolf described protesters as a "violent mob" and "lawless anarchists" who "destroy and desecrate property," citing damage that has been done to the Hatfield Federal Courthouse.
“A federal courthouse is a symbol of justice — to attack it is to attack America," Wolf said in a statement. "Instead of addressing violent criminals in their communities, local and state leaders are instead focusing on placing blame on law enforcement and requesting fewer officers in their community. This failed response has only emboldened the violent mob as it escalates violence day after day."
Federal officers, deployed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), have occupied the courthouse and other nearby buildings for the past couple of weeks in an effort to minimize the damage done to federal property and keep protesters in check.
Over the weekend, one demonstrator was reportedly left in critical condition after being struck in the head with nonlethal ammunition by a federal officer.
Forces used nonlethal rounds and tear gas to disperse protests who had gathered around the courthouse. One federal officer was assaulted by a protester with a hammer, and other activists blocked surrounding streets, lit fires and fired off fireworks towards the courthouse.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler (D) has been critical of the federal presence during the unrest.
"I told the Acting Secretary that my biggest immediate concern is the violence federal officers brought to our streets in recent days, and the life-threatening tactics his agents use. We do not need or want their help," Wheeler tweeted on Tuesday.
The best thing they can do is stay inside their building, or leave Portland altogether. Our goal is to end these violent demonstrations quickly and safely. And in the meantime, I asked him to clean up the graffiti on local federal facilities.
— Mayor Ted Wheeler (@tedwheeler) July 14, 2020
Donald TrumpCaitlyn Jenner says election was not 'stolen,' calls Biden 'our president' Overnight Health Care: FDA authorizes Pfizer vaccine for adolescents | Biden administration reverses limits on LGBTQ health protections Overnight Defense: US fires 30 warning shots at Iranian boats | Kabul attack heightens fears of Afghan women's fates | Democratic Party leaders push Biden on rejoining Iran deal MORE has repeatedly threatened to send federal forces into the cities that have been gripped by demonstrations in the months since Floyd's death, condemning the protesters as anarchists and looters.
Bill BarrCNN legal analyst joins DOJ's national security division Barr threatened to resign over Trump attempts to fire Wray: report DOJ faces big decision on home confinement MORE condemning the use of force by federal officers against protesters in Portland.“In recent weeks, the federal government has deployed to Portland a number of DOJ and DHS officers. This politically driven federal response is intolerable,” the group of Democrats wrote. “The apparent lack of operational coordination between agencies, departments, and offices, and the violence perpetrated by federal personnel is particularly concerning. Their presence and lack of coordination raises urgent concerns about how those engaging in illegal use of force against demonstrators will be held accountable.”
The letter was signed by Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden
Ronald (Ron) Lee WydenBad jobs report amplifies GOP cries to end 0 benefits boost Putting a price on privacy: Ending police data purchases Overnight Health Care: Biden sets goal of at least one shot to 70 percent of adults by July 4 | White House to shift how it distributes unallocated vaccines to states MORE and Jeff Merkley
Jeff MerkleyDemocrats hit crucial stretch as filibuster fight looms Senate Democrats push Biden over raising refugee cap Bipartisan Senate group calls for Biden to impose more sanctions on Myanmar junta MORE and Reps. Earl Blumenauer
Earl BlumenauerBattle lines drawn over Biden's support for vaccine waivers Polluters: Clean up your own mess Biden visits local Mexican restaurant to highlight relief program MORE and Suzanne Bonamici
Suzanne Marie BonamiciDoes Biden have an ocean policy? Democrats renew push for George Floyd Justice in Policing Act The ocean can no longer be a climate victim MORE.
On Wednesday, protesters attempted to create their own autonomous zone, similar to the one that existed for several weeks in Seattle, setting up tents and barricades in Lownsdale Square Park and Chapman Square Park, adjacent parks located across the street from the courthouse.
Early Thursday morning, Portland police closed the parks down, driving protesters out of the area.
"The parks will remain closed until needed repairs are made and the parks are ready to reopen for all to enjoy," the police department said in a statement. "The Police Bureau will assist other City bureaus to facilitate park closure and repair to lawns, bathrooms, benches and public art."
The police said that some arrests had been made when clearing out the parks. Video footage of one of the arrests shows a police officer tackling a protester riding a bike.
WATCH - Portland Police officers knock a protester off of his bicycle and arrest him outside of Lownsdale Square Park near the Federal Courthouse downtown #LiveOnK2 pic.twitter.com/tow0GzeyzW
— Dan McCarthy (@DanMcKATU) July 16, 2020
Police said that more details regarding the arrests would be released when available.
