Black Lives Matter protesters march through the streets of Southeast Portland
Portland, United States:
Protesters burned US flags and marched through Portland armed with protest songs and assault rifles as a confusing election night unfolded under high tension but without violence in the northwest city.
The liberal enclave of the state of Oregon had braced for possible armed clashes after months of divisive rallies involving left-wing activists, right-wing militias and federal officers deployed by the Trump administration.
As President Donald Trump claimed to have won the U.S. election early Wednesday, with major states still counting the ballots, activists gathered outside the Portland Federal Courthouse – the epicenter of many anti-racist protests in the United States. ‘summer.
“We don’t like either of the two candidates – I shamefully voted for Biden – but if Trump gets another four years people will be crazy,” said a 20-year-old protester, who asked to be called an ‘L’, like two American flags were lit in front of the building.
Many at the courthouse shouted slogans against Trump as well as Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, a scarecrow of anti-police protesters who won re-election on Tuesday, while others danced and twerked to loud hip-hop music .
The FBI warned of the potential for armed clashes in Portland linked to the polls, but there was no sign of election night activity from right-wing groups such as the Proud Boys.
And in the early hours of Wednesday, police had not engaged with protesters, some of whom had previously participated in a peaceful 400-man Black Lives Matter march around east Portland.
‘It’s gonna be crazy’
The three-hour march was led by a convoy comprising at least half a dozen demonstrators armed with assault rifles, knives and a shotgun. Rumors and reports of changes in national and state races spread among the protesters.
“I’ve heard Trump has the momentum now,” said 20-year-old protest leader Ty Ford. “It’s gonna be a riot. Every time it comes out it’s gonna be crazy.”
“It’s like choosing between two evils but honestly we’re going to settle for Biden,” said fellow leader “D.D.”, 22.
Demands ranged from abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to justice for black victims of police violence, including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, before the march ended with a ‘Hallelujah’ rendition. .
There were also moments of levity as the leaders of the protest coaxed those watching the march from their apartment windows to join the rally.
“Hey, stick your head out the window, tell us how the elections are going – then maybe put on your shoes and come help us start a revolution,” shouted one activist.
(Except for the title, this story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is posted from a syndicated feed.)
