Oregon Gov. Kate Brown argued to hold rioters and looters accountable for the widespread crime in Portland following almost three unchecked months of civil unrest.
“Let me be clear: It’s time for the violence and vandalism to end so Portland can focus on the important work to be done to achieve real change for racial justice. Those who have committed acts of violence will be held accountable,” Brown tweeted on Tuesday, suggesting that criminal activity impedes the sought after social change.
She continued: “We must work together to deescalate the potential for confrontation, by continuing to foster community conversations and utilizing trained law enforcement officers to keep the peace and protect free speech, not soldiers.”
Her commentary meant to clarify a prior headbutt with President Donald Trump who called on Brown and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler to allow local and federal law enforcement cooperation between Portland police and the National Guard.
Trump added: "They must stop calling these anarchists and agitators 'peaceful protestors.' Come back into the real world! The Federal Government is ready to end this problem immediately upon your request."
“Oregon isn’t interested in a role in your political theater, @realDonaldTrump," Brown tweeted in response earlier on Aug. 25.
Insisting as commander-in-chief of the Oregon Guardsmen, Brown asserted that her forces are "focused on fighting wildfires, distributing PPE & helping with unemployment calls" amid natural disasters and the coronavirus pandemic.
"I’d love to discuss what we actually need: financial resources, N-95 masks & testing supplies,” Brown retorted in a retweet.
Brown's recent statement retracts from her previous police reform efforts in June to quell crime, The Oregonian reported. In July, she told NPR that the presence of federal officers in Portland is “like adding gasoline to the fire.”
Her position shifted after CNN commentator Don Lemon urged leftist activists to stop rioting or it could cost the Democrats the presidential election as reflected in national polling.
"I think this is a blind spot for Democrats. I think Democrats are ignoring this problem or hoping that it will go away," Lemon told fellow CNN host Chris Cuomo.
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