
5/2/2024
Portland, OR. – The Portland Police Association posted a statement on social media addressing the recent violence and destruction of police and public property and on the Portland State University Campus.
Yesterday, I was asked by a local media outlet about the challenges police officers will face in navigating yet another violent, criminal, direct action event.
I said that we have been here before. I said that we know that the values of those wishing to destroy our city and community have nothing to do with current events, or geo political concerns. They have everything to do with political violence.
The next questions belied the problem. What about people who are concerned about the police not showing restraint? Do you think people in the library want conflict with law enforcement?
My answers were predictably not aired, but those who never hide the ball have once again demonstrated for the world who they are.
A college administration paralyzed by fear and naiveté, allowing for an occupation placing our whole city in danger. A Police Bureau who demonstrates time and time again patience, temperance, and tactical restraint only to be accused of excessive force. Significant planning occurs and is legally vetted. Domestic terrorists become anxious, demonstrating their desire for destruction and conflict and so they show their cards.
A night of destruction, causing callous harm to a downtown already grieving.
The arson of police training vehicles, at the burden of taxpayers.
And when police arrive, they calmly and systematically clear the library, they are violently attacked.
This is not the end. This is the beginning. We have been down this road. When you see destruction and mayhem, you must believe it. When you hear threats of violence, you must accept that they are true.
We have a decision to make. Will we spend another 180 days allowing the destruction of our city, or will we demand better? Acquiescence to this fractious ideology is not an option. We are asked often how every day citizen’s can help. In one voice, we must call violence what it is. With one government, local, state, and federal actors must prosecute to the fullest extent of the law all involved in this chaos.
Portland is a beautiful city. I do not believe her citizens wish to suffer the whims of this mob.
Sgt. Aaron Schmautz, President
Portland Police Association
