Agit8r
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- Dec 4, 2010
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Monday’s special session at the Oregon Capitol was slightly disrupted as protestors – who appeared to oppose policies closing certain businesses to slow the spread of the coronavirus – tried in vain to get into a largely-empty Capitol.
Aside from dozens of police officers from the Salem Police Department and the Oregon State Police, lawmakers, some staff and reporters were the only ones permitted inside the building on Monday, causing an uproar among protestors, who wanted to be let inside.
Oregon State Police said at about 8:30 a.m. protestors entered the building and at least one used "chemical agents" on officers.
Two hours later, state police and Salem police started to push people out of the Capitol. Bear spray was used against police.
Police made at least two arrests. One of those arrested was identified by Oregon State Police as Ryan Lyles, 41. Lyles was taken to Marion County Jail on multiple charges including trespassing and assaulting a police officer.
At 1:30 p.m. a group of protesters smashed glass doors on the west end of the Capitol, trying to enter the building. Oregon State Police announced there was at least one arrest made following the vandalism.
While protesters were swarming the doors, a Statesman Journal photographer was repeatedly shoved by a group of protesters for capturing the incident.
“At one point we used pepper balls. I don’t know what else," said Lt. Treven Upkes of Salem Police. "When people attempted to come in to the building they actually used pepper spray and other things on officers. In return we used those to separate ourselves and get them to hold that spot. So I don’t know what all was used but I know at least pepper ball was used."
"There may have been other chemical munitions used by the crowd as well on us that seemed to have acted similar to …a CS gas.”
Aside from dozens of police officers from the Salem Police Department and the Oregon State Police, lawmakers, some staff and reporters were the only ones permitted inside the building on Monday, causing an uproar among protestors, who wanted to be let inside.
Oregon State Police said at about 8:30 a.m. protestors entered the building and at least one used "chemical agents" on officers.
Two hours later, state police and Salem police started to push people out of the Capitol. Bear spray was used against police.
Police made at least two arrests. One of those arrested was identified by Oregon State Police as Ryan Lyles, 41. Lyles was taken to Marion County Jail on multiple charges including trespassing and assaulting a police officer.
At 1:30 p.m. a group of protesters smashed glass doors on the west end of the Capitol, trying to enter the building. Oregon State Police announced there was at least one arrest made following the vandalism.
While protesters were swarming the doors, a Statesman Journal photographer was repeatedly shoved by a group of protesters for capturing the incident.
“At one point we used pepper balls. I don’t know what else," said Lt. Treven Upkes of Salem Police. "When people attempted to come in to the building they actually used pepper spray and other things on officers. In return we used those to separate ourselves and get them to hold that spot. So I don’t know what all was used but I know at least pepper ball was used."
"There may have been other chemical munitions used by the crowd as well on us that seemed to have acted similar to …a CS gas.”
4 arrests made after protesters attempt to enter Oregon State Capitol during session
The Oregon Legislature is meeting in special session today to consider extending the state's emergency eviction moratorium and provide funds to tenants and landlords.
www.statesmanjournal.com
