Portland Rally Peacefully Protests Police Violence

At 85 degrees, it was a hot day for a rally today in downtown Portland to demonstrate for change in the Police Bureau. But the crowd was anything but heated as they demonstrated peacefully and held up signs that said things like "Justice" and "Standing on the Side of Love."

The Albina Ministerial Alliance coalition for Justice and Police Reform organized the Pioneer Square event to maintain pressure on Mayor Sam Adams and Police Chief Mike Reese to fire Officer Ronald Frashour, who fatally shot 25-year-old Aaron Campbell in the back last January. The Police Bureau's Use of Force Review Board has recommended the firing.

Protesters held gray cardboard signs made to look like tombstones to honor other police victims, including James Chasse Jr., who was beaten to death in 2006 and Jack Dale Collins who was fatally shot by police last March.

“We are all in this together," said Rep. Lew Frederick (D-Portland). "This is on all of us because basically we want to see a better future.”

There was live music from the aptly named local band Just Us. Rally-goers chanted, "People, keep the peace! Keep the peace, police!" Also there to show their support were Dan Handleman of Copwatch. Rep. Tina Kotek (D-Portland), former state Sen. Avel Gordly, and Campbell's father, Timothy Douglass.

At 1 pm, the rally went on the march with cops on motorcycles clearing a path for the crowd of about 100 people to walk down the street to City Hall. The rally wrapped up there with a couple more speakers.

“We would be remiss if we did not thank those officers who marched with us today," said Bishop A. A. Wells, who serves on the board of the Albina Ministerial Alliance. "We thank God for the dedication of those officers who have placed their lives on the line for the safety of their community.”