Protesters damage Oregon Democratic Party HQ during 'J20' march in Portland, arrests made

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Protesters started gathering in Southeast Portland on Wednesday afternoon following the inauguration of President Joe Biden.

The so-called J20 protestwas billed as a demonstration against the Biden inauguration and law enforcement, while also supporting the rights of indigenous peoples.

Members of the group gathered at Revolution Hall, where they were approached by Portland Police officers on bicycles. The bureau said some people in the group took an officer’s bike and threw objects when police retreated.

The group of roughly 150 people started marching north shortly after 3 p.m. and reached the Democratic Party of Oregon's Portland headquarters shortly before 4 p.m. Protesters smashed windows and vandalized the building. Police said they moved dumpsters into the street and lit the contents of one of them on fire.

Helicopter video shows officers detaining at least two people during a confrontation at the nearby Buckman Field Park.

Portland Police said they arrested eight people on various charges including criminal mischief, possession of a destructive device, riot and reckless burning.

Police released the following list of those they arrested:

• 22-year-old Kyle Romstad of Portland, Criminal Mischief II
• 22-year-old Kaiave Douvia, of Portland, Criminal Mischief I
• 18-year-old Jean V. Paris, of Albany, Interfering with a Peace Officer, Criminal Mischief III, Resist Arrest
• 18-year-old Alyssa Hartley Davis, of Albany, Interfering with a Peace Officer, Disorderly Conduct II
• 25-year-old Austin N. Nuchraska, of McMinnville, Possession of a Destructive Device, Criminal Mischief I
• 25-year-old Nicole Aria Rose, of Portland, Criminal Mischief I
• 31-year-old Darnell Kimberlin, of Portland, Reckless Burning, Criminal Mischief II
• 38-year-old Davis Alan Beeman, of Vancouver, WA, Riot, Disorderly Conduct II

Another demonstration involving a different group of people got underway at 4 p.m. at Northeast Portland's Irving Park.

Portland Police said they were aware of a third protest, set for 8 p.m. at South Portland's Caruthers Park.

On Tuesday, PPB laid out a plan for handling the protest that focused on five main goals, which included protecting the right to free speech while also maintaining public safety.

READ MORE | Portland Police plan for possible violence, protests on Inauguration Day

Other law enforcement agencies held a heavy presence at the Oregon Capitol building, anticipating possible protests in Salem as well.

Our reporters at the scene said it was largely officers and media.