As Portland protests against police violence continue Monday afternoon, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) has closed a large swath of downtown Portland to people and vehicles:
The areas between SW 1st Ave to SW 5th Ave from SW Jefferson St to SW Taylor St is closed. All persons must leave the area immediately. Failure to leave will subject you to arrest. Leave now.
— Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) June 1, 2020
According to reporting from KOIN, the closure came in response to protestors beginning to gather in the area.
As of 4 pm Monday, PPB was telling protestors to move to the downtown waterfront. It appears at least some protestors have complied with the orders.
The closure of part of downtown Portland comes after a weekend filled with large protests—largely peaceful, with some looting and property destruction—and a heavy police response that included flashbang grenades and pepper balls.
Protests are expected to continue Monday evening, as an 8 pm curfew from Mayor Ted Wheeler extends to a third night. The Mercury has asked PPB for more information about why blocks of downtown Portland have been closed, and we will update this post if we hear back.
