PORTLAND, Ore. -- In the past two weeks, about a dozen businesses in North Portland have received the same threatening note telling them to leave the neighborhood. But nobody, including the police, knows who is behind it.
The notes were discovered by many restaurants and shops on North Williams Avenue. Employees arriving to work on Nov. 6 found the black-and-white posters taped to their front windows, reading, "You have been targeted by the Juggalo Family to get...out."
Juggalos are followers of hardcore hip-hop groups such as the Insane Clown Posse, a duo popular in the 1990s that raps about horror scenarios and other violence. Juggalos insist worshiping the band is simply a lifestyle, but the federal government has labeled them a criminal gang.
Last year, two Corvallis men affiliated with the group made national headlines when they were arrested for beating up strangers.
Spencer Kollman, manager at Hopworks Urban Brewery, got one of the posters, but doesn't know what to make of it.
"Confusion. I have absolutely no idea. As far as I know, we have a pretty good relationship with the community, and I don't think we've made any enemies."
Kollman's coworkers say they had heard of other restaurants getting the notes in Southeast and possibly even Northwest Portland.
Police said they know about the threats and haven't seen much of a Juggalo gang issue here in Portland. So far, spokesman Sgt. Pete Simpson said there's no crime with posters simply showing up.
It could escalate to the crime of conspiracy if several people are involved in the threats. Police want you to call them if you get one of the posters.
