“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community,” Wheeler wrote Tuesday night. “But last night saw more unconscious violence in Portland.”
Wheeler’s call came after both Oregon’s governor and state police announced they were taking further steps to ensure legal action was taken against the perpetrators.
‘Violent behavior must end’
Wheeler on Tuesday condemned the actions he described as “from stupid to dangerous, to criminal.”
He said Monday night that “other minority-owned, local businesses,” carried out police violence and an attack on the building where he lives.
Nineteen people were arrested Monday, though not charged with setting fire outside Wheeler’s home, where protesters gathered with signs and sounds demanding the mayor’s resignation.
“Terrorizing Arsen and his family with children does nothing but steal and distract the important message of the racial justice movement,” Wheeler said.
“Violence must stop,” he wrote. “None of this thinking should sit well with Portlander.”
The head of the Portland Police Bureau also condemned the fire and said local leaders needed to do more to stop the violence.
“This is affecting the security of our entire city and urgent action is needed,” Chief Chuck Loveley, who has been in office for two months, said in a statement. “Our elected officials need to do their part to draw the line in the sand and hold people accountable.”
“Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen fires in the occupied police area as well as PPA office fees that gain access to the residential neighborhood.” “Last night marked as another escalation of stupid violence. Families living inside have done nothing to risk their lives.”
“Violent behavior must end,” the chief added.
U.S. Soldiers were replaced by the Marshals Service
The plan, issued by Oregon’s governor on Monday to end protest violence, has faced criticism.
Brown announced that neighboring law enforcement agencies and the Reg Reagan State Police would help the Portland Police Bureau respond to the protests. But law enforcement agencies in at least three areas said they would not send their officers to help, citing policy differences and lack of political support from Portland officials for law enforcement.
Police Reagan State Police, however, have not yet identified U.S. soldiers involved in the violence. The state plans to facilitate legal action by allowing deportation by the Martial Service, the state police captain said.
“The OSP has worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to review OSP arrests for possible criminal conduct,” Fox said. “Most of the OSP resources assigned to Portland have been cross-deputed by U.S. marshals.”
Meanwhile, in addition to seeking further assistance from Brown, federal attorneys and the FBI, the multinational mahm district attorney is tasked with “taking legal action against serious criminal offenses” and ensuring there is enough prison space so the suspects are not released as soon as possible.
In response, Brent Weisberg, a spokesman for the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, told CNN:
The report was contributed by Anna-Maja Rapard of CNN.
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