Authorities in Portland Declare ‘Riot’ as Protests Again Turn Violent

Over the course of the last few weeks, things have been heating up on the streets of the Pacific Northwest.

Large peaceful protests during the day have given way to ugly overnight violence, as extremist agitators use the crowd cover to create chaos.  These anarchists have been infiltrating otherwise subdued protesters and escalating a situation that is already on the mind of Americans everywhere.

To make matters worse, the presence of federal troops in Portland has riled the crowd even further, allowing the agitators to spread their bedlam with ease.

It is on account of this escalation that Portland authorities have been forced to declare a “riot”.

At around 12:30 a.m. local time, the Portland Police Department declared the protest a riot and asked people to leave.

“A riot has been declared outside the Justice Center. Disperse to the north and/or west. Disperse immediately,” the department tweeted. “Failure to adhere to this order may subject you to arrest or citation, or riot control agents, including, but not limited to, tear gas and/or impact weapons.”

Thousands are still in the area after the riot was declared and ABC News heard at least seven use-of-force warnings.

Before the riot was declared, Portland police said “multiple flares and other incendiaries” were thrown over the fence surrounding the courthouse, which resulted in fires.

President Trump just weeks ago declared that he would be a “law and order” President, but there are concerns that this use of federal forces in Portland could turn freedom-focused voters away from his ticket in 2020.