Riot Declared as Protesters Set Fire Inside Government Building in Portland

Police in Portland, Oregon, declared a riot late on Tuesday, August 18, after protesters used lighter fluid to set a fire inside the Multnomah Building, the county seat of government.

This video shows a person throw an object into the building as the fire burns inside. A target is seen drawn onto a window with “aim here” written above an arrow pointing to the spot.

Police said in a statement that “several hundred people” gathered for a march in Colonel Sumners Park at around 9 pm.

Police declared a riot around 90 minutes later, after some protesters “started throwing ignited paper inside of the Multnomah Building in an attempt to start a fire.” Police said, when this did not work, “the group began spraying lighter fluid.”

Police said a person in the crowd then “threw a large burning object inside” which set off the fire alarms and sprinkler system.

According to The Oregonian, Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury said: “This is the heart of our County, where people in our community come to get married, get their passports, and celebrate their cultural traditions and diversity.” Credit: Jarridhubtv via Storyful