Antifa, right-wing protesters linked to violence at Oregon Capitol; 3 arrested

At around 2:15 p.m., police warned that the protest had increased in size and risk to public safety.

“There are approximately 150-200 participants that are heavily armed at the capitol at this time,” police said in a Twitter thread, noting that counter-protesters were expected to arrive in large numbers.

Soon after the protesters’ arrival, the Salem Police Department began to receive reports that individuals from the Court Street group were targeting vehicles driving by, Fox reported.

Victims reported their vehicles were damaged by paint filled balloons, rocks and other hard objects being thrown at them as they passed. One vehicle sustained significant damage after a large tree limb was thrown through the front window into the vehicle’s passenger seat.

According to Salem Police Department, patrol officers responded and took several reports to initiate criminal investigations.

Furthermore, officers closed Court Street in response to the criminal activity, allowing Oregon State Police and Salem Police crowd management teams to respond to the area and declare the gathering an unlawful assembly. In addition, the closure deterred the Freedom Rally Caravan from entering the area.

Law enforcement authorities gave audible announcements warning the crowd on Court Street to disperse, before successfully moving the individuals onto the Capitol Mall. No force was used as the protesters complied with commands.

However, the dispersed crowd began marching along various streets surrounding the capitol grounds, which resulted in several altercations and property damage, including one reported incident of paintball guns being used and a firearm displayed, Fox reported.

According to Salem Police, personnel deployed less-lethal munitions in their apprehension of two suspects.

Authorities noted that these are open criminal cases which will continue to be investigated.