By Mike Brest
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/author/mike-brest
State police are leaving the city of Portland two weeks after they had been dispatched to defend a federal courthouse, which has been a target of protests and vandalism.
They are “continually reassessing our resources and the needs of our partner agencies and at this time we are inclined to move those resources back to counties where prosecution of criminal conduct is still a priority,” Capt. Timothy R. Fox told television stations, according to the Associated Press. “Last night was our last night in Portland.”
President Trump sent federal law enforcement to the city to protect federal property in response to the protests, some of which have devolved into violence and destruction, dating back to the death of George Floyd in May. But the presence and tactics of these officers only stirred more unrest, much of which was directed at the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse, after which the Homeland Security Department and Democratic Gov. Kate Brown agreed to a federal draw-down plan that would increase the state police presence.
Parts of the Oregon have descended into nightly chaos as agitators and demonstrators take to the street to protest the death of Floyd and to raise awareness about social injustice. In some cases, there have been offshoots of violence and destruction in the 70-plus days of rallying in the city.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/state-police-leaving-portland-after-two-weeks-of-protecting-federal-courthouse-targeted-by-vandalism