Police seize weapons from Portland protesters
The Latest on a right-wing rally and counter protests in Portland, Oregon (all times local):
11:25 a.m.
Police in Portland, Oregon, say they’ve seized weapons such as metal and wooden poles, bear spray and shields from multiple groups at a right-wing rally and counterprotest in the city.
Flag-waving members of the Proud Boys and Three Percenters militia group began gathering late Saturday morning. Some wore body armor and helmets. Meanwhile black clad, helmet and face-mask wearing anti-fascist protesters also were among the hundreds on the streets.
More than two dozen local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are in the city for the Saturday morning rally.
___
10:44 a.m.
Right-wing groups and counterprotesters gathered in downtown Portland, Oregon, and authorities set up concrete barriers and closed streets in an effort to contain the two groups.
Flag-waving members of the Proud Boys and Three Percenters militia group began gathering late Saturday morning. Some wore body armor and helmets. Meanwhile black clad, helmet and face-mask wearing anti-fascist protesters also were on the streets.
Also on hand among the hundreds gathering were people who attended a nearby prayer service, holding signs that said things like ” No Trump, No NRA. ”
The right-wing rally is organized by Proud Boys, who are designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
____
8:50 a.m.
President Donald Trump says ” Portland is being watched very closely ” as the Northwest city braces for a right-wing rally that’s expected to draw demonstrators from around the U.S. as well as counterprotesters .
More than two dozen local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are in the liberal city for the late Saturday morning rally. Self-described anti-fascists have vowed to confront the right-wing groups.
In a Saturday morning tweet Trump wrote: ” Major consideration is being given to naming ANTIFA an ‘ORGANIZATION OF TERROR.’ ”
Trump said he hoped Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler ” will be able to properly do his job! ”
Wheeler has said any groups preaching hate or engaging in violence are not welcome in the city.
___
9:01 p.m.
More than two dozen local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are in Portland, Oregon, to help police with a right-wing rally Saturday that’s expected to draw demonstrators from around the U.S.
Self-described anti-fascists have vowed to confront the rally.
Authorities have arrested six members of right-wing groups, including the leader of Patriot Prayer, in the run-up to the event on charges related to past protests.
The rally is organized by Proud Boys, who are designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
