PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A “Not My President” protest on President’s Day ended with the arrests of 13 people, Portland Police Bureau said.
Rallies were held around the country Monday as the nation observed the holiday.
In Portland, a group of protesters gathered on the sidewalk outside the Federal Building before spilling into the street. According to police, event organizers didn’t get a permit for a road closure or street use.
Police said the group blocked traffic at SW 3rd Avenue and Madison Street.
Officers on bicycles rode into the area and asked protesters to clear the street. When that didn’t work, police said officers in riot gear moved in to break things up.
Protesters were given verbal warnings for about 20 minutes. Some people complied with orders to move onto the sidewalk, but others continued to block traffic.
Police swooped in and initally arrested 3 people.
About 10 minutes later, at least another 5 people were arrested. One of those was an older woman who was knocked to the ground and handcuffed.
“She was blocking traffic, but is that really worth knocking her to the ground to arrest her? I dont think so,” Ben Thomas said. “I think the tactics ought to be looked at.”
Thomas said the protesters were kept in check and didn’t attempt any violence.
“They’re in the street obeying an order, but I really think that if the tactics are looked at things could be better. People could feel like they’re exercising their 1st Amendment rights,” he said.
A total of 13 people were arrested, according to police, including 5 minors.
Margaret Ann Zebroski, 66, Heather Grace White, 42, David Jonathan Carlson, 31, Charles Ernest Stubbs, 38, Lucy Elizabeth Smith, 34, and Rebecca Smith, 33, were arrested for second-degree disorderly conduct.
John Doe, 37, was arrested for second-degree disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and furnishing false information to police.
Three 16-year-olds, a 14-year-old and 17-year-old received traffic citations.
Another protest happened about an hour later at Director Park, but this one — put on by the AFL-CIO — was legal and permitted. It was also peaceful.
They did take to the streets and delayed traffic, but with a police escort.
Both groups had the same message: Protesting the current Trump Administration.