Mayor Ted Wheeler called for increased penalties for repeat offenders who continually engage in violent actions and vandalism.
Following rioting on New Year’s Eve Thursday, Portland, Oregon Mayor Ted Wheeler expressed a desire to enforce stricter penalties on repeat offenders who commit violent acts and vandalize property. In a press conference on Friday, Wheeler attributed the rioting on New Year’s Eve to « violent antifa and anarchists » who broke windows, spray-painted, and caused thousands of dollars worth of damage. Wheeler said he was working with District Attorney Mike Schmidt to hold those involved accountable for their actions, saying that his office was looking to prosecute those involved in rioting. He also laid out three points that he believes will help put an end to violent actions that had affected the city. The first point is having law enforcement partners at all levels « convene with me to develop clear plans to address anarchist violence » in Portland and throughout Oregon.
