Mayor Wheeler Statement on Community Safety

Press Release
Published

Members of the media,

Please see a statement below from Mayor Ted Wheeler on Governor Brown’s Emergency Declaration.

Local law enforcement has been working for several weeks to ensure we have adequate resources available to keep our community safe. We’ve cancelled days off, put staff on call, and coordinated across all city bureaus to prepare for a wide range of possible scenarios.

Given the heightened concerns about potential violence, particularly from white supremist organizations and the divisive rhetoric from Washington, D.C., the need for coordination and partnership takes on statewide significance. Oregon is likely to be a flashpoint.

I appreciate that Governor Brown is using her executive authority to bring more resources to Portland. Our partnership prevented violence in the past and I hope it will do so again.

We should all be prepared for delayed results from the election. And, I urge everyone to focus on staying safe during this most important election.

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