Business owners in downtown Portland are on high alert as they prepare for a demonstration by the group “No Kings.” Boarded-up storefronts and heightened security have become the norm this week, fueled by lingering fears from the upheaval that unfolded in the summer of 2020. Back then, Portland saw widespread riots and destruction that left businesses struggling with both financial and emotional scars.
According to a widely shared tweet, businesses in the area are locking down ahead of the expected protest. The tweet highlighted that “much of the city is still very scarred from looting and rioting of 2020.” The level of concern is evident, with many shops increasing armed security at their entrances. There is palpable worry that local law enforcement may opt to stand back rather than intervene in the event of widespread looting.
These apprehensions are based on reality. From late May to August 2020, Portland was among the hardest-hit cities by unrest tied to Black Lives Matter protests. Nationwide, over 10,600 protests took place during this period, but in Portland, the downtown area bore the brunt of near-nightly violence, including vandalism, arson, and looting.
One local shop owner spoke to the struggles still faced from the prior unrest: “I never fully recovered after the first wave [of riots],” they shared. Having dealt with multiple incidents of vandalism, the owner expressed a deep sense of unease about the upcoming protest. “You lose customers. You lose trust. And now, with this new protest, I just can’t go through that again.”
Such sentiments echo throughout the community. Many businesses along SW Washington Street and NW Broadway have already boarded up windows, while security firms report that requests for extra protection have surged dramatically in recent days. One operator noted a “tripling” of demand for overnight armed personnel, underscoring the anxiety that permeates the area.
An employee from a national retail chain also expressed the weight of their company’s directives: armored glass installations and additional guards at every entrance. “We’re basically on lockdown,” the worker said, pointing out that their preparations stem from past experiences and the uncertainty surrounding police response during protests.
The history of law enforcement in Portland is not helping to ease fears. During the peak of protests in 2020, police were reportedly ordered to take a hands-off approach, which raised significant concerns among the public. At one point, federal officers were deployed to manage the situation, a decision met with mixed reactions. While some viewed it as an overreach, others saw it as a necessary measure.
As the No Kings protest approaches, the Portland Police Bureau’s public enforcement plan remains vague. Although they have reported no arrests at previous No Kings events and described them as “peaceful assemblies,” this has not assuaged local skepticism. Residents remember well the chaos of 2020, leading many to question the credibility of such assurances.
“A peaceful demonstration stays that way until the sun goes down,” scoffed one bar owner, reflecting on the turbulent nights of the past. When an earlier protest descended into chaos, many were left to deal with the aftermath—cleaning up glass and damage well into the early hours.
No Kings represents a loosely organized movement with anti-monarchist and anti-establishment goals. Yet the vagueness of their aims and leadership structure allows for various interpretations, sometimes enabling unaffiliated individuals to exploit the protests for their own ends. A Reddit user aptly encapsulated this confusion about such movements, questioning their substance and goals during past protests.
As Portland gears up for another evening of potential unrest, the city’s leadership remains mostly silent. City officials have not communicated any preparedness plans or security measures to quell potential violence, leaving the community in a state of apprehension.
The history of violence haunts the downtown area, where damages from the protests following George Floyd’s death in May 2020 topped $23 million. Nearly 150 local businesses reported vandalism or looting, with some permanently closing their doors. Crime statistics paint a concerning picture, with property crimes up by 14% in 2020 compared to the previous year, leaving residents wondering about the city’s ability to maintain order.
“Business owners have no choice but to take these precautions seriously,” remarked a private security contractor stationed outside a downtown convenience store. The depletion of police forces—over 100 sworn officers left the Portland Police Bureau between July 2020 and July 2021—has exacerbated the fears surrounding public safety. As the contractor pointed out, many officers felt unsupported, shifting the responsibility onto private security. “So now it falls on private security guards like us to keep these businesses intact,” he stated.
The divide in public opinion surrounding the upcoming demonstration is evident. Supporters argue that fears surrounding protests are exaggerated, and civil action should not be curtailed by the violence of the past. On the other hand, many residents and business owners in the city remain apprehensive. They refuse to gamble on the notion that things will not turn chaotic again.
“Look, people have the right to protest,” the security contractor affirmed. “But if you’re going to let it happen, then make sure it doesn’t turn into what we saw last time.”
With some businesses opting to close temporarily and others bracing for the unknown, Portland stands at a crossroads. The events of tonight may reopen old wounds or allow the community to begin healing from the traumas of the past.
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