The death of George Floyd—who died after a now-former Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly 9 minutes—has been a tipping point in the U.S., causing many to rally, and some to lash out violently across the U.S. over the past several days.
In Portland, people broke into the Portland Justice Center and lit fires, among other damage. In Minneapolis, people lit the police station where the four officers involved in detaining Floyd worked. In Bend, the response was significant—but more tame. Hundreds of people gathered near Greenwood and Wall streets Saturday morning, eventually doing an impromptu march from Wall to Bend’s busy 3rd Street.
On Friday, Bend Police Chief Jim Porter issued a statement in regards to the death of Floyd, writing, “The unfathomable actions taken by the Minneapolis officers that led to the murder of Mr. George Floyd have not gone unnoticed by our department and our community members. We are living in difficult times, and this horrific situation widens the gap of building trust between communities and law enforcement. We are saddened that such brutal actions were taken by a few that were sworn to protect.
“We want our communities of color to feel safe, to feel included and know their lives matter. We want our actions to demonstrate that,” Porter stated.
Redmond Police also issued a statement Friday.
“As police leaders and on behalf of our law enforcement partners across Oregon, we wish to reassure our resident that we do not condone and will not tolerate this type of conduct. Our police officers take a solemn oath to uphold the Constitution. Our profession is based on the core values of honesty, character, professionalism, respect and accountability. We recognize and value the sanctity of human life and we believe all persons should be treated humanely and with dignity,” wrote Redmond Police Department Chief of Police Dave Tarbet and Redmond PD Captain Devin Lewis in a joint statement.
“Public trust and accountability for police agencies and police officers is crucial to a safe, inclusive community. We recognize that even isolated incidents of police misconduct anywhere undermine public trust everywhere. We are dismayed and disgusted when the actions of a few tarnish the reputation of our honorable law enforcement profession and undermine the heroic work our police officers perform in service to our communities.”
The Source documented the rally, and is collaborating with its organizers on a larger story for the print edition.
See the slideshow of Saturday’s Black Lives Matter rally in Bend:
This article appears in May 27 – Jun 3, 2020.
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That’s also because the people in this area have common sense. They know that type of erratic behavior is not tolerated in our still “country” type environment, and could be met with a swift dose of “Cowboy justice” if tried.
Is the slideshow available or taken down until the Print Edition?
Can’t seem to find the slide show on line. Sounds like “by the time he gets to Phoenix” didn’t read what the local police chiefs had to say. As one can see frequently at the KTVZ website, his notion of “cowboy justice” is to sit safely behind his keyboard while nursing a fine whine.
Actually, 8 years ago, my husband, who is black, was pulled over at 4 AM, leaving our home in the SW area of town known as snob hill. He drives a sporty Toyota celica with neon lights in and under, and a great stereo. It looks and sounds like a 19 year old’s car, and he only looked about 30 yrs old, even though he was 45. The white officer walked up to his window, asked him what he was doing in “this neighborhood, at this time of morning”. He relied saying he was going to work, and the officer again asked why he was going through “this neighborhood”. He said I’m not going through it, I live in it, 3 blocks back. The officer ended up leaving without giving him any ticket or warning, and he was not even sure why he was pulled over, but was so upset, and irate about the encounter that he was unable to work that day. Racism is here wether we like it or not.
8 years ago…that’s a long time to hold a grudge. The car was out of place in your community and the officer was being diligent. I can only assume the windows are tinted aswell…probably couldn’t even see the driver and race likely had nothing to do with it. Our local law enforcement are professional and fair and do an outstanding job!