Protesters in Portland have abandoned their own “autonomous zone,” reported to be similar to the one set up in Seattle, according to the Portland Police and multiple reports.
Hundreds of people were filmed by reporter Andy Ngo trying to erect a fence in downtown Portland, reportedly with the aim of setting up an area like the seven-block zone in Seattle, dubbed the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone, or CHAZ.
“Rioters are grabbing whatever fencing they can find around downtown Portland to build their own autonomous zone,” Ngo wrote in a tweet.
Seattle’s autonomous zone was established when staff at the Seattle Police Department’s East Precinct, which was the site of violent clashes with protesters, secured the facility, removed barricades, and essentially left the protesters to police themselves.
A sign is seen on a barrier at an entrance to the so-called “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone,” in Seattle, Wash. (David Ryder/Getty Images)
Portland police said in a statement recounting the overnight demonstrations from Thursday to Friday that there were several groups of protesters, with some becoming unruly.
“Officers observed demonstrators shake the fence and throw several projectiles,” police said, referring to demonstrators who gathered at the fence line at Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest Main Street.
That group of demonstrators began throwing fireworks at police, prompting a declaration of a civil disturbance.
“There is criminal activity occurring in this crowd. Stop now. If you are a non-violent demonstrator we are encouraging you to leave now,” Portland Police said in a tweet.
“The crowd was given ample opportunity to disperse and were warned if they did not do so, they were subject to arrest or force,” police said, adding that shortly after 11:30 p.m., officers began dispersing the crowd and several arrests were made.
