Activist “Disgusted” Over Portland Officers’ Solidarity With Ferguson Cop
Monday, November 24, 2014
On Monday afternoon, a Missouri grand jury had yet to announce if it had indicted officer Darren Wilson after Michael Brown, 18, was shot and killed on Aug 9.
Sunday evening, a social media flurry kicked up on Facebook after three Portland police officers posted images of a police badge covered by a black band reading “I am Darren Wilson.”
“I think it’s sickening and it promotes fear amongst our most vulnerable citizens,” said activist Teresa Raiford Mazique, who posted the images on her Don’t Shoot Portland Facebook page Sunday night. “It’s counter productive if we are looking to improve police relations to support equity."
Dana Haynes, spokesman for Portland Mayor Charlie Hales, confirmed that police chief Mike Reese had ordered the posts be taken down.
Portland police and local activists were awaiting a decision from the Ferguson grand jury to come down Monday evening. Many think the decision could spark civil unrest in Missouri. Activists in Portland, like Raiford Marique, plan to hold demonstrations no matter which side the grand jury comes down on.
The actions by officers Chris Barber, Rich Storm and Rob Blanck were counterproductive, according to a statement issued by the mayor.
“We have been actively participating in collaborative dialog with community leaders and other Portlanders on issues of police and community relations,” Hales said. “The actions taken by these three officers here in Portland do not help get us to that goal. Their actions do a disservice to the hundreds of Portland Police Officers who are building relationships and partnerships with the community every day.”
A number of demonstrations were planned for were planned by activists for the day the decision came down. Organizers Teresa Raiford Mazique said residents intended to gather at the Justice Center at1120 SW 3rd Ave., the Federal Building at 1000 SW 3rd Ave., and at the corner of Southeast 162nd Ave. and Stark Street, whether Wilson was indicted or not.
Some activists were also demonstrating at the South Park Blocks, where students were protesting a plan to arm campus police.
Raiford said the actions by the officers threatened to pour gasoline on a potentially volatile situation if the grand jury chose not to indict Wilson.
“I think people will be more resentful of the American justice system,” Raiford Mazique said. “We shouldn't have to raise our children in fear.”
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