Oregon lawmakers get business done despite protests
They extend evictions deadline and set aside $800 million for pandemic and wildfires.
When Oregon legislators came to Salem on Monday, Dec. 21, for the year s third special session, they were ready for business.
They gathered four bills dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, its effects and the Labor Day wildfires.
They passed them in a 10-hour session, despite the presence outside of anti-lockdown protesters, some of whom shoved news photographers and others who got into the Capitol before police ejected them.
Leading the short list was a six-month extension of the statewide moratorium on residential evictions, coupled with $200 million in state funds to help landlords and tenants. Without legislative action, the current moratorium would have ended Dec. 31.
4 arrested, 1 suspect sought in protest at Oregon Capitol By Jim Ryan, oregonlive.com
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2 Photos Protesters try to get into the Oregon State Capitol during a special session of the state legislature in Salem, Ore., on Monday, Dec. 21, 2020. State police declared an unlawful assembly at Oregon’s Capitol building as protesters opposed to COVID-19 restrictions attempted to force their way in during the third special legislative session. (Abigail Dollins/Statesman-Journal via AP) Photo Gallery
SALEM, Ore. –Four people were arrested Monday in a contentious protest at the Capitol in Salem, troopers say.
Several dozen protesters gathered Monday morning outside the Capitol as part of a “nonpermitted flash mob” against COVID-19 restrictions. The event, held while Oregon’s third special legislative session of the year took place inside, was promoted by the Vancouver-based right-wing group Patriot Prayer, whose leader Joey Gibson was in attendance.
4 arrests made after protesters attempt to enter Oregon State Capitol during session Claire Withycombe and Virginia Barreda, Salem Statesman Journal
VIDEO: Arrests made following protests at Oregon State Capitol
This story was updated at 8:30 p.m.
Monday’s special session at the Oregon Capitol was slightly disrupted as protestors who appeared to oppose policies closing certain businesses to slow the spread of the coronavirus tried in vain to get into a largely-empty Capitol.
Throughout the day, organizers broke glass doors on the west side of the Capitol building, tore tarps from the marble reliefs on the front steps, and engaged in a brief standoff with Oregon State Police and Salem Police Department officers. More than 100 protesters joined in the efforts, including members of Patriot Prayer, a far-right, Washington-based group led by Joey Gibson.
Updated: Sen. Dallas Heard removes mask on Senate floor to protest COVID-19 restrictions, protesters clash with police outside nrtoday.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from nrtoday.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Oregon Police Announce Arrests in Right-Wing Protests; Searching for Man Who Attacked Journalists Alberto Luperon
Another attempted entry into the Oregon State Capitol. For reference this happened right before I was assaulted for. pic.twitter.com/72jUyW4AGn
Oregon police announced four arrests as a result of a heated right-wing protest on Monday. They also said they were looking for a man who attacked two journalists.
A number of right-wing protesters were seen entering and attempting to break into the Oregon State Capitol, which was closed during the legislative assembly for normal visiting amid the pandemic.
In a statement, Oregon State Police said that several protesters entered the premises when someone leaving the building opened the door. Protesters stepped into the vestibule area, and were told to leave by troopers.