video: NEW: Protest Shuts Down Ron Wyden’s Portland Town Hall

Nearly 100 protesters shut down a standing-room only town hall held by senior Oregon United States Senator Ron Wyden Saturday afternoon. 

 

Wyden, a Democrat, attended a town hall at Portland Community College's Southeast Campus, on Southeast 82nd Street.  Protestors with Don't Shoot PDX held a march and rally that started at Southwest Foster Road and 82nd Street and ended at the PCC campus.

 

Two demostrators were arrested for disorderly conduct, after they attempted to block traffic, according to Sgt. Pete Simpson of the Portland Police Bureau.

 

The event began at 2:30 p.m. As soon as Wyden began to speak, protesters began chanting "Hands up don't shoot," "I can't breathe," and "No justice no peace." The crowd appeared supportive of the protest at first, but tensions quickly flared. 

 

The PCC security force, led by former Portland Police Chief Derrick Foxworth, appeared to be caught off guard and ill-equipped for the protest. 

 

Wyden said he would agree to meet with the demonstrators privately after the event. After that, the protest quieted briefly but then resumed. 

 

Moderator, State Rep. Alyssa Keny-Guyer, spent 15 minutes trying to end the protest and commence the town hall to no avail. 

 

At 3:15 p.m., organizers announced the event was cancelled.