PORTLAND, Ore. -- Police arrested six protesters Saturday evening after a march that disrupted traffic in downtown Portland and blocked Interstate 5.
On Saturday November 5, 2016, Portland Police Bureau officers arrested six people for various crimes in connection with a protest that blocked traffic on Interstate 5 in Southeast Portland.
The protest was in conjunction with the Million Mask March, a worldwide protest event held annually on November 5.
The Portland protest began at 5 p.m. at Pioneer Courthouse Square downtown.
Million Mask March (MMM) is a march held in protest of government corruption, abuse of power and corporate influence in government. ...We will be handing out masks for free at the event, but supplies are limited so try to get there early if you'd like one.
— Facebook
Protesters then blocked S.W. 3rd Avenue between Madison and Main Streets and began to march in the streets.
After arriving at Interstate 5, the group of protesters temporarily blocked northbound traffic, causing long delays. Some of the protesters wore Anonymous masks.
After protesters left the freeway and continued marching, officers located and arrested six people. Additional arrests may be possible on a later date.
The six arrested were given criminal citations to appear in court at a later time. They were identified as:
- 51-year-old Robert West, arrested for Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree and Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree.
- 26-year-old Kristopher Moore, arrested for Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree and Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree.
- 30-year-old James Krane, arrested for Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree and Interfering with a Peace Officer.
- 25-year-old Paul Schmitke, arrested for Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree and Interfering with a Peace Officer.
- 46-year-old David Kif Davis, arrested for Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree and Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree.
- 42-year-old Linda Senn, arrested for Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree and Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree.
Marches or demonstrations in public streets that restrict movement of other community members require a permit issued by the city of Portland. No permits were issued for today's events, police said.
In London, police arrested 53 at today's Million Mask March, reported the BBC.
Protestors blocking freeway, I-5 northbound near Morrison Bridge. Drivers urged to use 405 instead. #PDXTraffic
— Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) November 6, 2016
TriMet tweeted all MAX lines were delayed up to 45 minutes due to a car blocking tracks on the Steel Bridge. TriMet said the incident was not related to the protest.
All MAX lines delayed up to 45 minutes due to vehicle blocking tracks on Steel Bridge.
— TriMet (@trimet) November 6, 2016
Police at 8:15 p.m. said the protest was dwindling.