Vermont man federally indicted for Antifa riot-related activities in Portland

A federal grand jury indicted Charles Randolph Comfort, 24, of White River Junction, Vt., for felony civil disorder. The decision was announced by U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, Billy J. Williams, in a press release. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation alongside the PPB.

On June 25, BLM-Antifa rioters blocked traffic near Portland Police Bureau’s north precinct. Dumpsters were stolen from nearby businesses and rolled into the streets. Rioters launched fireworks over the barricade on NE Emerson Street at law enforcement stationed there.

According to the criminal complaint, a cop who was dispersing the crowd observed Comfort carrying a black shield and repeatedly using it to charge at responding officers. Comfort was instructed to evacuate the area but instead dropped his shield and refused to leave. While under arrest, Comfort actively attempted to pull away while kicking a cop multiple times, resulting in the PPB officer falling to his knees. Comfort was ultimately taken to the ground and was placed in handcuffs. Comfort was taken into custody for interfering with a peace officer, felony riot, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct in the second degree, and felony assault of a public safety officer. Comfort was quickly bailed out. His arraignment hearing for local charges is set for Nov. 3.

Comfort appeared initially in federal court Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Youlee Yim You. He was arraigned and pleaded not guilt. Comfort was ordered released pending a jury trial.