Violence erupted in Oregon’s capital city as Antifa-aligned rioters descended on the state’s Capitol building.
From Fox News:
Salem Police arrested at least three people and urged others to stay away from Oregon’s State Capitol building Sunday evening as violence linked to Antifa-aligned protesters broke out.
The “heavily armed” crowd had grown to as many as 200 people, Fox 12 Portland reported. The chaos unfolded as a planned right-wing protest and Antifa counter-protest were scheduled in Salem for the same day.
Police received reports of vehicles driving past the Capitol being struck with balloons filled with paint as well as green lasers being pointed at drivers.
Journalist Andy Ngo documented the scene on Twitter, observing one Antifa member almost being hit by a truck as armed rioters threw rocks at passing vehicles.
A rioting #antifa militant was nearly run over by a truck at the Oregon state capitol in Salem. #Antifa have gathered there today with weapons. They're throwing rocks at vehicles passing by. Police are not getting involved. pic.twitter.com/vVwpssNDPQ
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) March 28, 2021
#Antifa brought their flag, weapons and riot gear to their violent protest gathering at the Oregon state Capitol in Salem. #AntifaRiots pic.twitter.com/AYsZqCCrel
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) March 28, 2021
The chaos was also captured on video by local reporter Virginia Barreda, who posted videos of rioters throwing rocks at vehicles and anti-riot police forming after declaring the riot an unlawful gathering.
Protesters throw objects at red truck with American flag. #SalemOR pic.twitter.com/z5Q5mn3obe
— Virginia Barreda (@vbarreda2) March 28, 2021
Salem police in crowd control gear have formed a line on right side of Capitol on Court Street. Have declared unlawful assembly. pic.twitter.com/HdnxH7GaeN
— Virginia Barreda (@vbarreda2) March 28, 2021
One vehicle owner confronted rioters for vandalizing his truck and pulled a gun on the crowd, but was quickly detained by officers in the area.
Ngo later reported that the man “was not booked into the Marion County Correctional Facility.”
Police are now warning of an increased risk of violence in the area and have urged people to avoid it if possible.
“Due to activities expected at the @OregonCapitol today be aware there may be pedestrian congestion in the area,” the Salem Police Department said. “If poss[ible], avoid traveling thru streets around the capitol mall. Anyone observing criminal behavior should immediately move to a safe location & call 9-1-1.”
“The risk of violence has increased as the opposing protestors are expected to arrive in large numbers,” police added. “We are advising residents/visitors to avoid the capitol mall area. For those in the area, please remain cautious/aware given the circumstances.”
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