Western States Center Responds to Portland Violence
Eric Ward, executive director of Western States Center, released the following statement:
“There is no excuse for the tragedy that played out on Portland streets last weekend. We grieve for the life lost and categorically reject political violence, whatever its source.
“In just over three months since George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis officers, numerous Americans have been killed in politically-motivated attacks across the country. Aaron Danielson was just the latest added to the tally. The lives lost have included protesters, counter-protesters and law enforcement officers.
“While it’s easy to cast blame on paramilitary and alt-right groups on the one side, or anti-fascist and Black Lives Matter groups on the other, the repsonsibility to safeguard communities rests with government.
“In Portland, law enforcement has regularly failed to keep our city’s streets safe. From excessive use of force against racial justice protesters, to uneven -- often lax -- enforcement in the face of far-right violence, the Portland Police Bureau has substantially contributed to the current environment.
“This is not a new problem for Portlanders. Portland police failed to arrest far-right agitator Jeremy Christian as his threats of violence escalated. They only acted after he stabbed three people, two fatally. In many respects, little has changed since then.
“Portland has been in a downward spiral of violence since Trump’s acting Homeland Security director, Chad Wolf, led a de-facto invasion of the city’s streets, which was denounced by state and local leaders but welcomed by Portland Police Association president Daryl Turner. This invasion inspired subsequent incursions by far-right paramilitary and alt-right groups aligned with the president, setting the stage for last weekend’s violence.
“One year ago, Portland showed the nation how to come together to reject bigotry and embrace peaceful protest. We urge city and state leaders to urgently build upon that example and make Portland a model for inclusive democracy, where the rights and wellbeing of all are protected.”