PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) – Election results are still pouring in, and parts of downtown Portland remain shrouded in a sheet of plywood as businesses brace for a potential political fallout in the form of protests and civil unrest.
On Election Night, a small group of protestors gathered in Chapman Square — but the city didn’t see any destruction or damage. Portland police say they are hoping to keep it that way.
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“No way, shape, or form is this considered to be success; ‘We’re done, we’re packing up, we’re going home, it’s all gone back to normal.’ We’re going to remain vigilant,” Police Chief Bob Day said during a press conference Wednesday .
Police are monitoring potential protests on social media, including flyers calling people to Pioneer Courthouse Square on Wednesday evening.
Authorities have said they support the right to protest peacefully, but they also doubled down on their promise to arrest and prosecute bad actors. In preparation, PPB will monitor potential protests and extend their patrol hours — even adding Oregon State Police support through the weekend.