Police patrol the streets during protests following the Nov. 3 presidential election in Portland, Or. Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020. (AP Photo/Paula Bronstein)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 12:40 PT – Friday, November 6, 2020
As the number of protests rose nationwide, so did the number of weapons confiscated by authorities. On Wednesday, police seized a taser and two knives as well as M-80 firecrackers during protests in lower Manhattan, New York.
Meanwhile in Portland, Oregon, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s office reported confiscating an AR-15 with multiple magazines of ammo, an improvised explosive device, a knife, Molotov cocktails and spray paint cans.
In a unified message from Oregon State Police, Portland Police Department and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, authorities said they support and protect the right to engage in free speech events, but have to draw the line at violence.
While we wait for election results, Oregonians have the right to free expression and peaceful assembly. But political violence, intimidation and property destruction will not be tolerated. Let’s work together to keep our fellow Oregonians safe. https://t.co/WN7ky4c1SZ
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) November 4, 2020
“We witnessed widespread violent behavior, such as destruction of property, smashing of ATMs and shattering of windows to many businesses as well as intimidating behavior,” stated Portland Police Bureau Chief Chuck Lovell. “This prompted an unlawful assembly and later a riot declaration as their criminal behavior escalated.”
Final video update script. pic.twitter.com/OQFT4RFxdh
— Multnomah Co Sheriff (@MultCoSO) November 6, 2020
Meanwhile in Denver, officers arrested four people for weapons, which reportedly included a handgun, knife, hammer and bear spray.
