PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Portland Police Bureau released more texts between an officer and protest organizers.
The PPB also released a 4-page report prepared by Lt. Jeff Niiya on Thursday.
All of the documents relate to a protest that took place on June 4, 2017, in downtown Portland.
In the police report, Niiya explained that he wants everyone — no matter what side they are on — to be able to safely express their First Amendment rights.
The text documents show that Niiya reached out to both sides involved in the demonstrations; however, it appeared only one side was happy with the outcome of things.
On June 4, 2017, Patriot Prayer members marched in what they dubbed a “free speech rally” while counter-protesters showed up in force to denounce the far-right message.
In the days leading up to the protest, Niiya — who was in charge of the PPB’s rapid response team at the time — reached out to both Patriot Prayer and the counter-protesters.
He wrote in his report that he “was very worried about the safety of all involved in the multiple protests as well as police.”
Niiya also exchanged text messages with both sides of the protest before, during and after the event.
One man described as a member with the Oath Keepers said in a text, “Sir, thank you so very much for your outstanding job today!! Please thank your officers.”
Niiya replied, “I will. Thank you for working with me.”
The police lieutenant also spoke with at least 2 activists protesting against Patriot Prayer before the event. One told Niiya the crowd would be non-violent.
In a message with one of those counter-protesters, Niiya said, “I have warned the Patriots if they try and come across the street to Chapman they will be arrested. I know you and your friends do not like us, but I am really trying my best to keep the police just in between and allow everyone to voice their opinions.”
The person replied, “I can assure you that anyone showing up to counter is likely doing so with the intent to maintain peace. Please tell your officers to remember these are the community they serve. Who do you protect? Who do you serve? Today we’ll see.”
June 4th ended in the arrest of 14 people.
Thursday’s document release comes a week after the PPB’s initial release of hundreds of texts and emails between Niiya and Patriot Prayer leader, Joey Gibson. The police bureau held a public listening session also on Thursday to give people the chance to voice their reactions to the messages and suggest ways they think the bureau could improve its handling of such events in the future.