Portland DA vows prosecutions after Antifa needle distribution group sets up shop in school zone

Portland's new District Attorney Nathan Vasquez said his office was "outraged" by a recent investigation that revealed an Antifa harm reduction outreach group has been passing out needles and pipes to drug-addicted vagrants in a school zone. The DA's Office has now launched a targeted enforcement campaign with the Portland Police, vowing to carry out prosecutions. This comes after months of community complaints about the group "enabling open-air drug use" adjacent to a school in a residential neighborhood, leaving behind drug paraphernalia for children to step over on their way to class.

The District Attorney told Fox 12 that the outlet's investigation left him furious. "I saw neighbors and people who just simply, you know, wanted some very basic courtesies and some basic answers. What I saw in that reporting is something that deeply concerns me in our community right now," he said. Vasquez was referencing the harm reduction groups that declined to relocate their services from the school despite community outrage and requests from neighbors.

The main harm reduction group distributing needles and other drug paraphernalia is the Portland People's Outreach Group (PPOP), which believes that "recovery is a form of oppression." PPOP is run by Antifa extremist Michael Gilbert. The other outreach group setting up shop in the area is Portland Street Medicine.

The harm reduction groups have also brought an increase in crime to the neighborhood, including suspected drug dealing. Vasquez mentioned that there are increased penalities for dealing drugs in a school zone, and made it clear that anyone who breaks the law "will be prosecuted."

"If people want to hand out needles and straws, then we'll arrest people that are going to deal drugs," the DA said.

Furthermore, the residents who have expressed their concerns to the city have been targeted by the harm reduction group. At least one resident had masked Antifa militants show up at her home to intimidate her for speaking out about the issue.

Another concerned neighbor, Corey Seamer, told Fox 12: "I find dirty needles and foil, and they, as far as I know, I think they hand out not just syringes, which is the point to stop the spread of HIV and hepatitis. But, you've got whatever paraphernalia is needed. And this is pure, it seems like pure enablement to me. And, you know, I say that as a recovering addict. Like it just makes it easier to keep doing what you're doing."

Community members expressed their relief that the new District Attorney has indicated a commitment to addressing the issue.