‘Playtime over’: Portland police dismantle autonomous zone outside mayor’s residence
IF YOU’RE FIGHTIN’ IN THE FIGHT OF YOUR LIFE – – THEN LET’S STAND TOGETHER!
by Spencer Neale, Breaking News Reporter
Police removed barricades and tents as they reclaimed several blocks that protesters made into a temporary “autonomous zone” in Portland, Oregon, outside Mayor Ted Wheeler’s apartment.
Hundreds of protesters marking the death of George Floyd established the autonomous zone between two Portland city blocks on Thursday night. Unlike Seattle’s similar autonomous zone, Portland’s effort only lasted hours before police were videotaped dismantling the improvised zone on Thursday morning.
“Playtime over,” tweeted Blaze TV producer Elijah Schaffer along with a video of the cleanup.
Playtime over: Portland autonomous zone is no more
pic.twitter.com/Yzvv8fkINM— ELIJAH SCHAFFER (@ElijahSchaffer) June 18, 2020
Protesters in the city have called for Wheeler to resign over his refusal to ban tear gas. More than 12,000 people have signed an online petition demanding Wheeler’s resignation.
In a message posted to Instagram late Wednesday night, the Pacific Northwest Youth Liberation Front named the area the “Patrick Kimmons Autonomous Zone” after Kimmons, a black man who was shot and killed by Portland police officers in 2018.
One protester was arrested, and police have instructed homeowners and residents of the area to remain inside while they reestablish footing in the area.
Demonstrators were angered by the Portland City Council’s decision on Wednesday to remove $16 million from the Portland Police Department. Protesters had hoped the city would pull back more than $50 million in funding for the city’s police department.
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