Oregon deployed the National Guard for a Portland riot for the first time in decades on Wednesday night. 

The move came less than 12 hours after Oregon Governor Kate Brown extended her order for a unified police force to oversee Portland, and put the Oregon National Guard on standby to help.

“In the interest of public safety, Governor Kate Brown, under advice, activated the national guard,” Superintendent Terri Davie with OSP said on Wednesday. 

Local soldiers and airmen trained in crowd control rolled into the streets of Rose City to help control the group on Wednesday night.

RELATED: Oregon leaders condemn violence after riot declared in Portland Wednesday

Guard members were seen containing groups of protesters in a variety of situations after the unified command declared a riot.

According to the unified police force made up of Oregon State Police, the county sheriff's office and the Portland Police Bureau, the need became clear after one of two groups demonstrating became violent.

“Two groups gathered in separate locations and engaged in remarkably different events,” Sheriff Mike Reese said.

While a Black Lives Matter group peacefully marched to the waterfront, the second group set their sights on destruction.

PAST COVERAGE: 12 arrested in Portland riot, National Guard deployed

“As they marched south, we witnessed widespread violent behavior such as destruction of property, smashing of ATMs, and shattering of windows, and intimidating behavior,” Chief Lovell said.

Thursday, Oregon's governor released this statement saying in part:

Indiscriminate destruction solves nothing. These are acts of privilege.

Multnomah County Sheriff Mike Reese says because of police response and the help of the National Guard, they were able to prevent looting and even fires within the city. And they did so without using of CS gas.