The video below is the first in a series of short videos from a Portland resident who has been to the protests and seen what’s happening there first hand, as well as countless videos from front-line journalists. There has been so much misinformation, lies, and half-truths spouted by Trump and his followers, along with some people who just don’t know the realities here, these videos dispel some of the myths with facts and video proof of what’s happening in Portland.

The audio for these videos was recorded on July 29, 2020, the day Gov. Kate Brown announced the feds would begin leaving Portland on July 30th. As of July 29th, Portland citizens had endured 62 nights of unprovoked police brutality. Knowing they were gearing up to leave starting the next day, Portland saw it’s most brutal night of rampant police violence yet.  

On the 63rd night, July 30th, when the State Police arrived to start the takeover from the Feds, the officers didn’t engage. It was the first night Portlanders were able to protest in peace, without any violence, because the police weren’t out to perpetrate it. The same peaceful atmosphere extended to July 31, 2020, marking only the second night free from police brutality in 64 days. 

Part two (below at ~6 min) examines the oft-repeated phrase of the protesters’ “extreme violence” and “provoking” the police/feds, showing footage from journalists on the front lines.  Even if the police violence against protesters is over (hopefully), it’s important to document what happened here and counter the harmful narrative and tyrannical rhetoric coming out of the White House.

Part three (below at ~8 min) addresses stun grenades, police beatings, and problematic questions. Sadly on the third night, August 1, 2020, local law enforcement began brutalizing Portland protesters once again. Our resistance continues. 

If you prefer to watch the entire ~18 minute video all at once, you can see it below.