Police say a rally described as a march for law and order in Portland, Oregon turned into chaos as right-wing activists and leftist protesters clashed in the streets Saturday night. Members of the Patriot Prayer group fought with members of Antifa in a fight that involved bear spray, fists and batons.
The fight was broken up by riot police firing pepper balls. Some participants were seen earlier with knives and other weapons. No arrests were made but police say they continue to investigate. Why no arrests? Because police apparently were directed not to engage the protesters. And Mayor Ted Wheeler supports the decision.
“This is the story of Goldilocks and the two bears. The porridge is either too hot or it’s too cold,” Wheeler told reporters. “At any given moment in this city, the police are criticized for being heavy-handed and intervening too quickly, or they’re being criticized for being standoffish and not intervening quickly enough.”