New Portland DA vows to hold criminal protesters accountable after violent Antifa direct action

The District Attorney's tough-on-crime policies are a huge shift from his controversial predecessor, who refused to prosecute the majority of criminal protesters during the infamous Black Lives Matter-Antifa riots of 2020, rejecting over 540 riot-related cases.

Vasquez told reporters outside the Multnomah County Courthouse that the difference between his and Mike Schmidt's Office is "very clear."

"There is not a policy in place in my office to prohibit us from prosecuting any crimes. Left, right, or center, if people break the law, they're going to be held accountable," he said.

In August 2020, just days after taking office, former DA Schmidt announced new policies during a press brief regarding the anti-police racial justice riots, stating that his office would not prosecute protestors arrested for criminal offenses such as rioting, disorderly behavior, and curfew violations.

A reporter asked Vasquez on Wednesday why he had decided to break from the policies of Schmidt's Office. Vasquez responded, "Because I don't think it served this community. And I don't think it served the individuals who are actually out trying to get their message out. I think when you allow criminal behavior, it detracts from people's ability to exercise free speech."

The District Attorney also vowed to "work closely" with local and state law enforcement agencies to ensure that those committing criminal acts in Portland are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. "When you allow criminal behavior, our city suffers," Vasquez said.

The press briefing, which included Portland Police Chief Bob Day, followed a series of criminal protests pertaining to President Donald Trump's second inauguration.

On Tuesday night, authorities arrested five Antifa-affiliated militants during a direct action that took over the streets of downtown Portland. Individuals were taken into custody on charges including disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, vandalism, and interfering with a police officer, according to a Portland Police press release.

On Monday, the day of the inauguration, black-clad anarchists targeted the ICE detention center in Portland, squaring off with federal police officers and igniting fires outside the facility. Earlier in the day, a group concealing their identities behind facial coverings smashed out the windows to the Multnomah County Elections Office and left behind anarchist graffiti.

Chief Day said the agency would continue to monitor demonstrations throughout the city, which are expected to resume, with a similar one scheduled for Saturday afternoon.