Left-wing protesters in Portland set fire to American flag outside courthouse, at least 50 people held for investigation

Some protesters set fire outside the courthouse.

Portland, Oregon, U.S. since last year’s outbreak of racial demonstrations, continued to erupt in violent clashes. Last Thursday (11) and again last Friday (12), more than 100 demonstrators from the far-left group ANTIFA gathered near the courthouse, clashed with police officers and set fire to stores. At least 50 people were detained in the demonstration.

The demonstrations began last Thursday when about 60 demonstrators dressed in black gathered at the federal courthouse near Portland City Hall, where they set fire to the hoardings outside the courthouse and burned the American flag. Police used tear gas and smoke grenades to disperse the protesters. The following day, another 100 to 150 demonstrators marched outside the local Department of Homeland Security, setting fires and breaking windows in passing stores. Police officers blocked two of the streets and detained 50 protesters.

Portland was the scene of several demonstrations against racial discrimination in May of last year over the death of Floyd, a black Minnesota man. And in January this year, after the inauguration of President Joe Biden also had a number of clashes, there are far-left organizations to join the demonstration. Portland police said they noticed a call for action on the Internet, saying that the impact of the demonstrations could continue.