Portland Police Joint News Conference - May 8, 2024

During the press conference, the focus was on the importance of supporting First Amendment rights while condemning acts of vandalism and violence. The emphasis was on respecting individuals' rights to peacefully protest, juxtaposed with a zero tolerance for the exploitation of protests for criminal activities. The press conference highlighted the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and communities to protect civil rights and uphold the rule of law, with a call to address underlying issues causing unrest through dialogue and healing.