Portland Police: Man Threw Molotov Cocktail into Trump Protest Bonfire

Mayor Charlie Hales asks protesters to stay off highways as police warn of violence.

As Portland protesters prepare for a third consecutive night of marches against the presidency of Donald J. Trump, Portland police are releasing information about violence and vandalism at last night's demonstrations.

The Portland Police Bureau says it arrested a 27-year-old man early this morning for allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail into a protesters' bonfire near the downtown Thompson elk statue.

Police say protesters then chased, kicked and beat the man, Christopher Joseph Gourneau. Officers allegedly found he had stashed materials for making more Molotov cocktails near the public restroom in Lownsdale Park.

The police press release comes shortly before four anti-Trump protests are scheduled to begin tonight—in Pioneer Courthouse Square, Holliday Park, Tom McCall Waterfront Park and Mount Tabor Park.

Police warn that "some events and activities" planned for tonight may not be peaceful. They also say they are investigating graffiti and property destruction at the tail end of Wednesday night's march.

WW's news partner KATU-TV has photos of the Thompson elk fountain defaced with anti-Trump graffiti.

Screen Shot 2016-11-10 at 4.32.29 PM

Protest organizer Gregory McKelvey says he expects his march, starting in Pioneer Courthouse Square, to be peaceful.

"Our group does not condone violence, vandalism or destruction in any way," McKelvey says. "However, it is not our job to censor anyone's activism. If we were to do that, we might as well call the police ourselves. Our job is to lead by example and that example will be peace."

Mayor Charlie Hales has issued a carefully worded statement that recalls then-Mayor Sam Adams' early response to the Occupy Portland camps. Hales asserts the right to demonstrate but warns against blocking highways and transit lines.

"I understand that there are many people in our community that do not feel protected equally in our country with the results of this election, and I encourage them to continue to speak up and stand up for their rights as Americans in a peaceful, safe way," Hales says. "Walking onto freeways and blocking the MAX light-rail lines is dangerous for everyone involved, and it puts a heavy burden on people just trying to make it home to their families or get to work safely. Vandalism and destruction of private and public property in our city cannot, and will not be tolerated. I ask everyone to look out for their fellow Portlanders—we all need to put safety first."

Willamette Week

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.