The mayor of Portland promised to bring an end to the ongoing violence caused by "anarchists and Antifa radicals" following a New Year's Eve riot that led to the destruction of multiple businesses in the city rocked by near-daily protests and riots since the summer of last year.
"In response, it will be necessary to use additional tools and to push the limits of the tools we already have to bring the criminal destruction and violence to an end," the mayor continued.
Over seven months ago, violence struck the city following the police custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Wheeler said it is now time to "push back harder" and bring the violence to an end by increasing penalties on those set on destroying our community.
"Lawlessness and anarchy come at great expense and great risk to the future of our community," the mayor said. "It’s time to push back harder against those who are set on destroying our community, and take more risks fighting lawlessness."
Wheeler said he is in contact with Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt to actively work on cases together to ensure "people are held accountable for their criminal conduct."
The mayor addressed three points he is now committed to working towards that include, increasing penalties, developing a clear plan to address anarchist violence both inside and outside Portland, as well as having rioters convicted of criminal destruction to meet with business owners impacted by rioters and looters.
"These people need to hear, and to understand, the social and human consequences of their irresponsible actions," Wheeler said. "All of them should be requires to engage in public services like litter pick-up and graffiti abatement."
During the New Year' Eve riot, officers were targeted with large rocks, bricks, and frozen water bottles, PPB officials said. Rioters also targeted officers with "paint balloons" that likely had "been laced with a caustic substance as it caused burning to the skin," adding that several officers suffered injuries.
