Police Arrest Activist Who Toted Rifle Through Downtown Portland
Portland police have arrested a man who walked through downtown Portland Sunday evening, pointing a realistic looking air soft rifle at members of the public.
According to the Portland Police Bureau (PPB), officers arrested 23-year-old Ken Lee at his home Thursday—four days after they first encountered Lee. Lee was charged with three counts of menacing and one count of second-degree disorderly conduct.
Lee appeared downtown Sunday following a religious event at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, which relied on a security team composed of individuals associated with far-right groups, including the Proud Boys. The event attracted a number of anti-fascist (or, antifa) protesters who opposed the presence of far-right extremists in Portland. After the event ended, both groups of right-wight and left-wing activists took to the streets to spar, throwing punches and spraying mace at each other. It was during this escalating street brawl that bystanders noticed Lee strolling down a street, carrying what appeared to be a black assault rifle and pointing it at activists, journalists, and other passers-by. Activists took videos and photos of Lee as he rambled through downtown streets, with some yelling warnings at members of the public about Lee's firearm.
After 20 minutes of walking through downtown, Lee walked into PPB's Central Precinct. He left without facing any charges.
PPB said that they first heard from Lee Sunday evening through a 9-1-1 call.
Read more: https://www.portlandmercury.com/blogtown/2021/08/12/35877987/police-arrest-activist-who-toted-rifle-through-downtown-portland