Far-Right Fizzles in Portland as Community Unites to Reject Hate and Violence
Eric Ward, executive director of Western States Center, issued the following statement following a rally in Portland by the Proud Boys, a bigoted and sexist organization with a history of violence:
“The Proud Boys issued a national call to members to rally in Portland in hopes of setting up a violent clash with the community and establishing themselves as the feared foot soldiers of an ascendant far right. Instead, a couple hundred or so Proud Boys gathered in a park and had way too much to drink.
“Today’s failed Proud Boys rally, held at a site of historic significance to the Black community, coincided with two larger, peaceful counter-protests. It also came at the end of a week in which the Portland community, including elected officials, businesses and community groups, united to reject hate and violence.
“We commend city, county and state leaders for responding to the call to action by community groups, and we thank law enforcement for keeping Proud Boys protesters separated from counter-protesters. That said, the need for unity and unbiased enforcement will only increase after today’s protest.
“The Proud Boys and other extremist groups are desperate for attention and relevance, and the risk of violence remains high heading into the election. Notwithstanding today’s dismal attendance, many of the hardcore protesters who turned out were heavily armed, and some assaulted individuals who identified themselves as members of the media. At least one wore a t-shirt calling for bloodshed and celebrating the vigilante shooting of three protesters in Kenosha.
“I am proud of Portland today. We got back on track as a city and demonstrated to the nation how to come together and reject hate and violence.”