National Security

Salem police declare Antifa protest at Oregon State Capitol an ‘unlawful assembly’

Published

3 years ago

March 29, 2021

The Salem Police Department (SPD) declared an “unlawful assembly” at the Oregon State Capitol after violent Antifa protests broke out on Sunday evening.

https://twitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/1376472586868158466

Hundreds of Antifa demonstrators clashed with right-wing protestors in response to a planned “Freedom” rally and flag wave.

“Shortly before noon, approximately 100 individuals wearing black clothing and ballistic vests and carrying firearms, bats, skateboards, umbrellas, shields and gas masks arrived on the capitol mall grounds,” the SPD said.

The crowd was “heavily armed,” according to the SPD.

SPD said they received reports of vehicles driving past the Capitol being struck with balloons filled with paint as well as lasers being pointed at drivers.

2⃣/4⃣ The risk of violence has increased as the opposing protestors are expected to arrive in large numbers. We have received reports that vehicles driving past the capitol are being struck with balloons filled with paint and green lasers being pointed at drivers.
— Salem Police Department (@SalemPoliceDept) March 28, 2021

Author and journalist Andy Ngo shared a video of Antifa members smashing vehicles that displayed U.S. flags.

https://twitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/1376320352435978241

https://twitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/1376313345423372288

Ngo shared another video of a female who was almost killed inside of her car by an Antifa attack.

https://twitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/1376330843556360194

Police issued a warning to protesters that were participating in the unpermitted event and blocking the streets.

“Exit the roadway and obey all laws,” they said. “Failure to do so may result in arrest. Stay on the sidewalks and exit the roadway.”

#salemoregon UPDATE at 1542 Audible announcements: You are participating in an unpermitted event and blocking Court ST. Exit the roadway and obey all laws. Failure to do so may result in arrest. Stay on the sidewalks and exit the roadway. pic.twitter.com/lG13ggA8AZ
— Salem Police Department (@SalemPoliceDept) March 28, 2021

Oregon State Police and Salem Police declared the gathering as an “unlawful assembly” and police formed a line in front of the Capitol building.

Authorities advised residents and visitors to avoid the Capitol area and added that the SPD, Oregon State Police and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office would be monitoring the situation and were “prepared to act in the interest of the public’s safety.”

Four hours later, the SPD announced that the riots had ceased and protestors had left the scene.

“Activities have come to conclusion as protestors have left the area. Our thanks to the many partner agencies that assisted with handling the protest activity and the criminal conduct of a several individuals,” the department tweeted.

Several individuals were arrested and booked at the Marion County Correctional Facility on charges related to criminal activity, the SPD wrote in a press release.

The police department said they will continue to investigate the matter and encouraged anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Salem Police Department.

Follow Annaliese Levy on Twitter @AnnalieseLevy

National Security

ISIS-Inspired Teen’s Sinister Plot Foiled: Lone Wolf Threat Neutralized in Las Vegas

Published

1 day ago

December 5, 2023

Alexander Carter

A horrifying report was unearthed that a 16-year-old aspiring terrorist had sinister plans to unleash “lone wolf operations in Las Vegas” in the name of ISIS, according to law enforcement sources.

Fox News reports the ominous announcement came via a social media post where the suspect vowed to embark on a campaign against what he deemed “the enemies of Allah.” The disturbing message included an ISIS flag and expressions in Arabic, underscoring the gravity of the threat.

Law enforcement swiftly swung into action after the Nov. 28 post, which was laden with a call for “Dua for victory” and a declaration of allegiance to the Islamic State. Within a matter of hours, the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, in collaboration with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department counter-terrorism division, pinpointed the suspect’s identity and location.

A subsequent raid led to the teenager’s arrest on Friday. Disturbingly, agents uncovered not just his support for ISIS, evident through a handmade flag and propaganda, but also a cache of materials indicating a tangible terror plot.

Furthermore, the seized items included components for constructing improvised explosive devices, bomb-making instructions, and self-portraits of the suspect surrounded by ISIS paraphernalia.

Deputy Chief of Homeland Security and Special Operations Division, Dori Koren, emphasized that law enforcement believes this to be an isolated threat that was promptly neutralized. There are currently no indications of additional threats to the community.

The minor is facing charges of terroristic threats, attempting to further an act of terrorism, providing material support to a terrorist organization, and possession of explosive components — all of which are felony charges. The prosecution will be spearheaded by the Clark County District Attorney’s Office in Nevada.

This alarming incident underscores the ever-present challenge of combating radicalization, even among the youth, and the critical role law enforcement plays in thwarting potential acts of terror on U.S. soil.