Portland police are bracing for possible election violence, and the National Guard is on standby

Oregon elected officials, civic and business leaders encourage people to voice their opinions through civil discourse

Lynn Terry, Oregon Capital Chronicle

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – As tensions rise across the country ahead of Election Day, Portland police are preparing to deal with any unrest and the National Guard is on standby as political leaders call for peaceful protests.

Gov. Tina Kotek said in an email that any voter intimidation is “un-American and will not be tolerated.”

“The governor’s office is closely monitoring and coordinating with local, state and federal agencies to ensure Oregon voters can cast their ballots safely,” the statement said.

Portland police spent weeks planning ways to promote “peaceful free speech and public safety” on election night and the rest of the week, Mayor Ted Wheeler said.

“While there is no current information to indicate unrest, we know there is a lot of uncertainty and tension in our community,” Wheeler said.

Part of the bureau’s strategy will be to bring all officers under a single command next week. Terri Vallo Strauss, a Portland police spokeswoman, declined to release details of the bureau’s plans or say how many officers will be on patrol, but she said it will be an all-hands-on-deck situation.

“The boss has canceled the weekend and everyone is working 12 hours,” Vallo Strauss said in an email.

Oregon State Police is working with law enforcement in Portland, while the Oregon Department of Emergency Management is working with tribal, local, state and federal authorities. Kotek said she would activate the National Guard if needed, as did then-Gov. In 2020, Kate Brown did it. Kotek said the number and role of troops will be determined by law enforcement agencies.

Portland police said they would investigate any election-related illegal activity or vandalism, arrest suspects and refer cases to the Multnomah County District Attorney for prosecution. Investigations — and arrests — can also happen after the fact.

“Just because arrests aren’t made at the scene when tensions are high doesn’t mean people aren’t charged with crimes later,” police said in a statement.

Portland has a history of election violence – it has attacks at the polls in Portland and Vancouver, Washington. Kotek and dozens of others, from U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley to Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Veillad, asked residents to avoid a repeat of the 2020 violence.

“As we approach this critical election, it is more important than ever to come together in support of democratic principles and the safety of our communities,” said Amy Herzfeld-Kopple, executive director of the Western States Center, an anti-racism group that has one leaf.

The Portland Metro Chamber distributed a similar letter signed by 100 elected community and business leaders, including members of Congress from the Democratic Party of Oregon, members of the city of Portland and the Multnomah County Commission.

“During the compilation of the election results, there may be moments of uncertainty or heightened emotions,” the letter says. “It is in these moments that we must showcase the best of Oregon—our compassion, innovation and commitment to progress and inclusion. By choosing peaceful and constructive forms of civic engagement, we protect the well-being of our community and continue to build a place that works for everyone.”

Republicans in the Legislature also condemned the violence, according to spokesmen for the state House and Senate Republicans.

“We do not approve of any violence during elections. Our commitment to the democratic process is unwavering,” said Ashley Kuenzi, communications director for the Senate Republicans’ office.

The 2020 presidential election has seen protesters attack businesses and churches in West Burnside. Brown declared riots and activated National Guard troops to help quell the riots.

That year, Democrat Joe Biden became president. Portland also erupted in violence when Republican Donald Trump was elected in 2016. Thousands of people took to the streets, and although most were peaceful, black-clad anarchists threw rocks at windows and smashed businesses with baseball bats. Several dozen people were arrested.

With Trump running again this year and already brandishing unsubstantiated claims of election fraud, the possibility of violence is real, though it may not happen on election night if results lag, officials say.

Ahead of the election, Portland police said owners must remove any sandwich boards, furniture or building materials outside their businesses. Garbage containers should be secured so that the materials inside are not used for projectiles and the dumpster does not catch fire.

In an emergency, call 911 to report criminal activity. Portland’s non-emergency line is 503-823-3333. In Portland, it is illegal to carry a loaded firearm in public unless you have an Oregon concealed carry license, and Oregon does not accept concealed carry permits from other states

Police also warned the public that mass gatherings could bring traffic and public transport to a standstill. TriMet passengers can check if their bus or MAX train has detoured or stopped at https://trimet.org/home/#/alerts and for the Portland Streetcar, check https://portlandstreetcar.org.