Molotov cocktails, severe damage during NYE Portland riot

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Molotov cocktails and other objects were thrown during a riot declared in Downtown Portland Thursday night that lasted into the early morning hours Friday, according to the Portland Police Bureau.

Officers responded to a large gathering in the area of SW 3rd Avenue and SW Main Street where a reported 80-100 people were present. Some people in the crowd began to engage in violence just before 8 p.m.

“At least two Molotov cocktail-style firebombs were thrown,” PPB said in a statement Friday. “Large, commercial grade aerial fireworks were launched at the Federal Courthouse and the Justice Center. Some individuals tried to use tools to break into the Justice Center but were not successful.”

PPB said officers citywide had to be pulled from answering emergency calls to respond to the riot. Furthermore, officers from the Federal Protective Services and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s office also engaged the crowd and were targeted.

Officers were attacked with large rocks, full size bricks, and frozen water bottles,” said PPB. “Some officers were targeted by paint balloons that may have been laced with a caustic substance as it caused burning to the skin. Some law enforcement officers suffered injuries, although no Portland Police officers were hurt.”

Two Starbucks coffee shops were severely damaged, at Pioneer Courthouse Square and at 1600 SW 6th. There was also vandalism and burglaries at the Portland Wine Company, Ben Bridge Jewelers, Pandora Jewelers, Chase Bank and the Pacific Building, among other businesses.