Anger over a recent left-wing demonstration boiled over in Portland — propelling conservatives into downtown streets for a counter-protest march that soon devolved into scuffles, shouting and attacks.
Yelling resounded off buildings, flash-bangs blasted, the police loudspeaker crackled and the smell of pepper spray wafted through the air as the twilight march broke down into random street skirmishes by 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13.
Portland Police said they observed “assaultive” behavior and began clearing streets, at times putting their hands on journalists and bystanders in order to encourage compliance. They also reportedly fired less-lethal ammunition.
One of the first tussles apparently occurred on Washington Street between Third and Fourth avenues. Unconfirmed accounts on social media suggested that people were clubbing and stomping each other after being squirted with pepper spray. Watch video of the fray here.
Read the whole story at the Portland Tribune.