As a group of about 100 anarchists raged through a Portland neighborhood on Oct. 12, police reportedly remained in their vehicles. Some say their inaction is a direct result of confusion over an Oregon police-reform law passed last summer, which restricts how they can respond to such crowds. In less than two hours, the group did an estimated $500,000 of damage to 35 locations, including banks, retail stores, coffee shops, and government buildings. Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officers issued verbal warnings through a megaphone. “Those who refuse to leave the area are subject to arrest,” the warning blared on a loop. “The bureau will investigate crimes and will make arrests either tonight, or in the future.” Meanwhile, the anarchists blocked the streets, smashed windows, set off illegal fireworks, lit dumpsters and trash cans on fire, and tagged buildings with spray-painted messages like “kill cops” and “anarchy means attack.” Some group …
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