Lots of different things going on all across the country. The country’s attention has been mostly focused on the two conventions although shootings and lootings have remained a constant in many cities.
Recently a District Court in Oregon had granted an injunction that would have hampered the ability of federal law enforcement to protect and defend federal property in Portland and elsewhere. On its surface it appears that this injunction would have prevented the use of crowd-control measures like tear gas and pepper spray if news reporters, photographers, legal observers, and other neutrals were present. It was unclear if supposedly “peaceful protesters” would have been included in the definition of neutrals.
The problem here is that “neutrals” are often intermixed with violent criminals who are looting, committing arson, rioting, etc. In fact, one of the tactics being used during the last few months is to have “peaceful protesters” acting as a shield for the violent anarchists.
On Thursday, the Ninth Circuit, the most liberal circuit court in the country, placed a stay on the injunction. This means that, until the measure is adjudicated, it is on hold. Federal officers have the full set of crowd-control measures at their disposal.
AG Bill Barr issued a statement on Friday. In it, he detailed clearly what is going on in Portland.
“Last night, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Ninth Circuit entered an order temporarily blocking an injunction entered by a federal district court in Portland that imposed extensive but vaguely defined constraints on federal law enforcement personnel striving to protect the federal courthouse and surrounding areas in Portland from destruction. In practical effect, the district court’s order prevented the federal government from effectively addressing violent mobs through the general crowd-control measures that are required, and it unacceptably increased the risk of serious injury to federal law enforcement officers. The Ninth Circuit’s decision is an important step that will allow federal officers to continue carrying out their important security responsibilities without being subject to untenable conditions.
As the Department of Justice explained in our briefing, federal officers in Portland – like law enforcement in other parts of the country – have confronted aggressive mob violence. Behind the veil of “protests,” highly organized violent operators have carried out direct attacks on federal personnel and property, particularly the federal courthouse in Portland. Shielded by the crowds, which make it difficult for law enforcement to detect or reach them, violent opportunists in Portland have attacked the courthouse and federal officers with explosives, lasers, projectiles, and other dangerous devices. In some cases, purported “journalists” or “legal observers” have provided cover for the violent offenders; in others, individuals wearing supposed press badges have themselves attacked law enforcement or trespassed on federal property. More than 200 federal officers have been injured in Portland alone.
The Portland city government has the ability to stop this. Instead, the city government has abetted the violence through action and inaction, neutered the ability of the police department to deal with the mobs, impeded the ability of police to coordinate with federal law enforcement, and refused to pursue charges against the rioters. By contrast, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Portland has charged 74 people with federal crimes arising from the Portland riots, including arson, assaulting federal officers, and destruction of federal property. The message should be unmistakable: The First Amendment protects the rights to speak and assemble, but not to attack people or property. The Department of Justice will continue to fully and fairly enforce federal law against these violent rioters.”
AG Bill Barr has called out the Democratic administration of the City of Portland as aiding and abetting rioting. This is incredible and absolutely true. Stating this fact is long overdue. Where is the MSM in reporting this? This is what Democratic leaders have been doing all across the country in hopes of winning the election in November.
Portland is a preview of Joe Biden’s America. The Democrats have gone all in trying to gain power over the whole country. Barr’s statement is a step in the right direction of providing one set of laws for everyone.