The FBI defended its actions in The constant confrontations between federal agents and protesters in Portland, Oregon, alleging that the federal police focused only on people who committed violence and damaged federal property.
Protesters have dominated the streets of Portland since early June, when protests took place across the country after the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in police custody. Federal agents have used force against protesters in Portland several times this month, throwing protesters in unmarked vans and firing tear gas at the city’s mayor.
Federal police, which was deployed by the Department of Homeland Security, have said it protects federal property, such as the federal courthouse in downtown Portland.
Renn Cannon, special agent in charge of the Portland FBI field office, said in a statement Friday that the office is investigating “specific violations of federal law, including arson, use of improvised explosive devices and interstate transportation of stolen goods. “
President Trump
Donald John Trump, Justice Department, says 18 people face federal charges after Portland’s protests against the U.S. He takes over the former Chinese consulate in Houston. Defense Overnight: Republican Senator Aims to Rename Confederate Base | Trump approves sale of more larger armed drones MORE and other conservative lawmakers have advocated a more assertive approach to quell protests. Democrats have asked for polls on the use by the federal police administration in Portland and in other cities since Floyd’s death.
Cannon emphasized that the FBI does not align with the ideology of a particular group and is only concerned with addressing violence and crime.
“Our focus is not on membership in particular groups but on individuals who commit violent and criminal acts that constitute a federal crime or pose a threat to national security,” Cannon said. “The FBI does not and will not monitor ideology.”
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