By Joanna Putman
Police1
PORTLAND, Ore. — A group has claimed responsibility for the torching of Portland Police Department cruisers via social media, stating that they committed the act of arson because they knew officers were going to clear protesters at the Portland State University library, KPTV reported.
The group, calling itself “Rachel Corrie’s Ghost Brigade,” stated online that it cut through a fence to gain access to the parked cruisers, according to the report. Posts stated that the group set ten fires which spread to 15 police cars.
Portland Police Bureau Chief Bob Day expressed strong condemnation of the arsonists’ acts, as well as recent acts of violence and vandalism targeting local businesses, KATU reported.
“I believe that these social media posts and some of these actions we’re seeing around anger and hatred are crippling our city and we need to have a conversation about how to heal,” Day stated during a press conference.
The city has recently experienced several disruptive events, including pro-Palestinian protesters damaging the Portland State University campus library, leading to its closure for days, according to the report. Concurrently, May Day demonstrations resulted in further damage to businesses.
“We cannot tolerate the level of violence, vandalism and personal attacks that we’re seeing on individuals at the same time that we’re trying to facilitate our First Amendment rights,” Day stated.
Day confirmed that investigations into the concerning social media posts and incidents of violence are ongoing.
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