People Use Power Tool to Damage Fencing at Portland Courthouse

Thousands of protesters demonstrated in downtown Portland, Oregon, on Friday, July 24, for a 58th night of anti-racism and anti-police brutality protests.

This eyewitness video shows a small group using an electric saw to cut through a metal barrier outside of Portland’s Hatfield Courthouse. Some hold shields over the person using the saw.

Authorities at the courthouse fired tear gas, witnesses reported, in an effort to disperse protesters.

On Thursday, the Portland Bureau of Transportation issued a cease-and-desist order to the federal government to remove the metal fence and concrete barriers around courthouse, citing interference with “one of the busiest bike routes in the United States.”

The fencing was erected Wednesday to “protect” the courthouse in downtown Portland, according to Willamette Week. Credit: Drew Hernandez Independent Reporter via Storyful