On Thursday, over 30 individuals were arrested at Portland State University during a protest that escalated into a standoff between law enforcement and demonstrators. The incident unfolded as authorities attempted to clear a library that had been occupied by protesters.
According to the Portland Police Bureau (PPB), arrests took place both in a nearby park and at the library itself. Some individuals reportedly re-entered the building after police had initially vacated the premises, leading to a prolonged confrontation.
As of 8 p.m. local time, the situation was described as 'active' by law enforcement officials. The PPB emphasized that they were working closely with Portland State University (PSU) to address the unlawful activities occurring at the university's Millar Library.
The unrest began earlier in the week when a group of protesters, who had initially gathered for a peaceful First Amendment demonstration, breached the campus building on Monday. Since then, the PPB has been engaged in a collaborative effort with city leaders, municipal bureaus, the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, and PSU to bring about a safe resolution to the situation.
Police reported that they were closely monitoring the library and various splinter groups that had formed, with some engaging in small marches around the campus. The ongoing protests have drawn significant attention and raised concerns about public safety and property damage in the area.
