PORTLAND, Ore. — 17 police training vehicles were set on fire early Thursday morning at the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) training division located on Northeast Airport Way, PPB reported.
At around 1:55 a.m., officers and firefighters were dispatched to the training center, where they found multiple vehicles on fire inside a fenced training area. Firefighters put out the fires. PPB said no injuries were reported and the building was not damaged.
Portland police have not said whether the arson at the PPB training center was done by protesters. Hours earlier, protesters had marched through downtown Portland, smashing windows at businesses and blocking traffic.
PPB Chief Bob Day posted a statement on social media, saying that property destruction won't be tolerated.
"I am disheartened by the acts of vandalism over the last 12 hours. Damaging downtown businesses and vehicles at our Training Division is unacceptable and will not be tolerated," he wrote. "I understand people in our community are hurting, but in no way is property destruction a productive way to address that angst. I want the community to know these criminal actions will be fully investigated."
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek released a statement condemning the criminal actions over the past week.
"I fully condemn the criminal actions taken Thursday morning that resulted in the burning of 15 Portland Police Bureau cars and endangers first responders and the surrounding community," Kotek wrote. "I have absolutely no tolerance for discriminatory harassment, violence, or property damage. This includes the acts of vandalism seen this week at the Portland State University library and against nearby businesses.
"These actions are in direct opposition to Oregon values and threaten working people, families, businesses, and our community as a whole. The Oregon State Police have launched a response on the outer perimeter of Portland State University. The state is prepared to exercise the full extent of the law."
Photos: Portland police vehicles burned
RELATED: Pro-Palestinian protesters march in downtown Portland, break windows at Pioneer Courthouse Square
Hours earlier, on Wednesday night, a group of about 100 protesters marched through downtown Portland, many holding signs calling for a free Palestine. At Pioneer Courthouse Square, some marchers started smashing windows and tables. Others blocked traffic.
At least one undetonated commercial-grade mortar was located, commercial-grade fireworks were deployed, and property was tagged with graffiti. Multiple businesses, including banks, coffee shops, cell phone and electronics stores, retail clothing and accessories shops and property belonging to Portland State University was damaged.
Anyone with information about the arson case at the PPB training facility is asked to contact PPB detective Meredith Hopper at meredith.hopper@police.portlandoregon.gov or call the Portland Fire & Rescue tip line at 503-823-FIRE (3473). Please reference case number 24-108126.
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