Western States Center Responds to Criminal Charges against State Rep. Mike Nearman over Oregon Capitol Attack

Western States Center released the following statement in response to news reports that Oregon State Rep. Mike Nearman now faces criminal charges for opening the Oregon Capitol to extremist protesters:

“Rep. Mike Nearman has been charged with serious crimes for facilitating the violent breach of the Oregon State Capitol last December. His actions violate the trust of the people who voted for him and the trust of all Oregon voters. He must be held accountable for his actions which jeopardized the safety of his colleagues, Oregon State Police, and our democracy itself. Rep. Nearman's actions have demonstrated that he is not fit to serve. He should resign immediately. If he refuses to resign, the Oregon Legislature should move swiftly to exercise its right under the Oregon Constitution to expel Rep. Nearman for disorderly behavior.”

A diverse coalition has been calling for Nearman’s removal from office since January. Their statement is here.

Nearman is the headliner for a far-right rally scheduled for tomorrow in Salem. Earlier today, Oregon elected leaders (including Gov. Brown, Sens. Wyden and Merkley and Rep. Blumenauer), Salem officials and a broad range of organizations voiced their opposition to the rally and spoke out against bigotry and violence. That statement is here.

###

Based in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain States, Western States Center works nationwide to strengthen inclusive democracy through building movement, developing leaders, shifting culture, and defending democracy.