Three individuals faced their initial hearings in federal court today following a series of protests that turned violent at a local ICE office in South Portland. Julie Winters, Aziel Chambers, and Rachel Jean Pope were charged with offenses that include assault on federal law enforcement officers among other charges, according to a release published by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
The series of events unfolded on Tuesday, when protesters gathered near the ICE office, leading to attempts to burn the U.S. flag and altercations with the authorities. Winters, 46, was detained after allegedly waving a knife at federal officers and attempting to ignite an incendiary device. 20-year-old Chambers faced charges for pointing a laser pointer at an officer and throwing objects, and Pope, 28, was charged for throwing a metal canister at officers. Notably, Pope and Chambers have been released pending their forthcoming court proceedings, while Winters remains in custody.
Specifically, Winters, from Portland, faces a felony charge for attempted assault of a federal officer, which carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment. According to court documents, she was apprehended after pulling out a knife and then a second knife during an encounter with officers. Chambers, hailing from Merlin, Oregon, has been accused of misdemeanors including assault on a federal officer, creating a hazard on federal property, and failing to comply with a lawful order. On the other hand, Pope is charged with misdemeanor assault for her actions during the protest…