Multiple suspects have been charged following a violent protest near an ICE facility in South Portland, Oregon. Protesters allegedly engaged in a series of incidents where they threw objects, wielded knives, and pointed lasers at federal officers, leading to the arrests of several individuals. The incident is said to have escalated over multiple weeks, with repeated attacks on the ICE building and federal law enforcement officers. As a result of these incidents, charges have been brought against the suspects for assault on federal officers, creating a hazard on government property, and failing to comply with lawful orders.
Julie Winters, 46, of Portland, faced charges including felony attempted assault of a federal officer. Aziel Chambers, 20, of Merlin, was charged with misdemeanor assault of a federal officer, creating a hazard on federal property, and failing to obey a lawful order. Rachel Jean Pope, 28, of Portland, was also charged with misdemeanor assault of a federal officer. According to court documents, the incident began when two individuals attempted to set an American flag on fire in the driveway of the ICE office, prompting the use of less-lethal methods by federal officers to disperse the crowd.
The situation escalated further as Pope allegedly picked up one of the metal canisters and threw it toward the officers, hitting one. Subsequently, Winters attempted to light an incendiary device next to the guard shack, pulled a large knife from her backpack, and waved it toward the officers. During the confrontation, she was tased and taken to the ground. She then retrieved a second knife from her waistband and was disarmed by an officer. Meanwhile, Chambers was alleged to have pointed a laser pointer at a federal officer’s eye and failed to comply with orders to leave the premises.
These incidents have raised concerns about the safety of both civilians and law enforcement, with the U.S. Attorney’s office emphasizing the potential penalties for such offenses, which range from up to 20 years in prison for assault attempts to lesser penalties for misdemeanors. The continued tensions between protesters and federal agents highlight the challenges in managing public demonstrations while maintaining security and order.