In the US state of Oregon, shots were fired during protests between the Antifa and Proud Boys.
Portland, Oregon – Right and left activists exchanged gunfire at a demonstration. The Oregon Police knew in advance that Antifa members would be on Sunday, August 22nd. would gather for a demonstration. It was also announced that the right-wing extremist group Proud Boys would travel from everywhere to take action against the protests.
The police office reported in advance on Friday (20.8.) That it advised anyone who did not intend to take part in violent clashes not to come. But that wasn’t all: “Don’t expect the police to get into the crowd and try to keep people away from each other.”
Portland Demonstration: Proud Boys open fire
Then in the city center shots rang out in the open street. Sean Beckner-Carmitchel, a Los Angeles activist, captured the action on video and shared it on Twitter. There are reports of eight shots by the 65-year-old Dennis Anderson from the right-wing extremist block.
Thereupon there was also sharp shooting from the Antifa block. The Oregon police announced on Monday (August 23) that evidence – or cartridges – may have already been removed. It remains to be seen whether the left-wing extremist can still convict the shooter.
In videos showing demonstrators of the Antifa group, at least one of the participants can be recognized as armed, said Beckner-Carmitchel. The extreme right-wing shooter Anderson has meanwhile been released from custody on bail. Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio was recently sentenced to five months in prison for his crimes.
Portland, United States – Gunfire preceded riots
Several witnesses report that the violence was initiated in advance by the far-right Proud Boys, according to The Intercept. Several vehicles of the Antifa activists were damaged and the drivers were physically driven away. One of the buses was knocked over by the Proud Boys shouting “fuck antifa” and sprayed with paint.
In resistance, the Antifa demonstrators used pepper spray, fireworks and other means. In the end, it came to the shooting. Fortunately, the shots did not hit anyone. (Nadja Austel)
