Far-left Portland communist attempts to incite further arson attacks on political targets after city council member’s car is torched at family home

On Friday, extremist Piper Smith advocated for arson attacks on political targets in response to Portland, Oregon City Commissioner of Public Safety Rene Gonzalez's family vehicle was set on fire outside his home. 

In response to a user on X condemning the attack on Gonzalez, Piper said, "MANY people deserve to have their cars scorched." She added, Like an unbelievable number of people." 

Another user using the name "lulu" agreed with Smith. They said, "And cars is just property damage," adding, "Unless you were inside the car it doesn't do damage to you." Lulu then asked who exactly Gonzolez was. 

According to her LinkedIn, Smith works as a senior consumer insights strategist at Bowflex, while at the same time, she is the co-host of the "Portland from the Left" communist podcast, where her activism is centered around sabotaging capitalism. 

In a statement about the attack, Commissioner Gonzalez's office said, "An active arson investigation is currently underway." The statement added, "Additional steps are being taken to enhance security for the commissioner and his family." 

"Thanks to the prompt response of Portland Fire & Rescue, the fire was unable to spread to any neighboring homes or vehicles," Gonzalez wrote. "My neighborhood is filled with both families and seniors, and we must do everything in our power to protect them. I am grateful that nobody was physically harmed as a result of this incident."

"My family is deeply appreciative of the outpouring of concern today from neighbors and colleagues and the prompt response and assistance from Portland Police," he concluded. 

Gonzalez told KGW that he has little doubt that he was the victim of a targeted political attack because of his stances. He told the outlet, "This is a democracy, and this is absolutely no way to air disagreement with elected officials' positions." 

"I’m gonna be unbending in protecting the city of Portland. If you think that you can reach me by targeting my family or my household, you are dead wrong, and I’m going to see you with every inch of power that I have to assure justice comes to you," Gonzalez added.

Authorities are asking anyone with information on the attack to contact Portland Police Detective Meredith Hopper at Meredith.Hopper@police.portlandoregon.gov, or call the tip line 503-823-3473 and reference Portland police case number PP24-9217 and Portland Fire Rescue case number RP24-4159.