Portland riot squad
Source: Portland Riot Squad Teri Jacobs screenshot via Facebook video

Portland, Oregon is without a riot squad because 50 members resigned in protest following the indictment of a fellow officer for striking an “activist photographer.”

The left coast city has had repeated and ongoing riots since George Floyd’s death in May 2020. As you can imagine, the police force is stretched thin.

Morale is very low and now one of them faces charges for protecting their city.

This was the breaking point.

On August 18, 2020, Portland Police faced off against 200 rioters. The police union believes Teri Jacobs wasn’t just there as a member of the media because she participated in the riots.

She claims she was there solely as a photographer. 

Teri Jacob’s Social Media Promotes Rioting

Jacobs’ own social media accounts allegedly show her rioting.

The Daily Mail reports one of her Instagram posts reads, “This is America. Stop attacking your own people and leave Portland. Remember the oath you took, to support and defend the constitution of the United States of America. Feds, go home!”

RELATED: Three Federal Officers Permanently Blinded During Portland Riots

The video (below) shows Jacobs being pushed and being hit with a baton, she was wearing a gas mask.

She certainly came prepared with equipment to riot even if she claimed she was there as a press photographer.

Police have seconds to react. And, she helped them make this decision with her riot gear and being in the middle of everything.

This video contains graphic content.

Officer Arrested for Assault

Jacobs never was charged with a crime.

Instead, Portland gave her $50,0000 as a settlement and covered her $11,000 in attorney fees.

Then they set their sights on riot squad member Corey Budworth who was arrested for assault. 

Now, the city is left to face the destruction and violence of riots without a specialized police force. The riot squad not only risks their lives to save the City, now they have to worry about getting thrown in jail for doing it.

“Unfortunately, this decorated public servant has been caught in the crossfire of agenda-driven city leaders and a politicized criminal justice system,” the Portland Police Association statement reads.

“Under the cover of darkness, a group of 200 demonstrators, many equipped with tactical helmets, faces covered, and armed with a variety of weapons, sparked a night of violence. Multiple dumpsters were set on fire, buildings were defaced, and windows were broken.” the police union said about the riot in question.

75 Straight Nights Of Rioting In Portland

“After nearly 75 consecutive nights of violence, destruction, and mayhem, a small group of RRT (Rapid Response Team) officers—including Officer Budworth—were again tasked with dealing with the riot,” the statement continued. “Per PPB Command Staff orders, RRT officers cleared the rioters from the area to allow the Fire Bureau to extinguish the blaze. But the rioters were not satisfied.”

RELATED: Video Shows Rioters Attack Federal Officers As Portland Riots Escalate

“RRT was again deployed to disperse the crowd and prevent any further violence and criminal activity. A confrontation then ensued. As RRT officers worked to clear the rioting crowd, Officer Budworth was forcefully knocked to the ground. The crowd grew even more aggressive, prompting other RRT officers to deploy pepper spray and less lethal munitions to try and break up the riot.”

“Per his training and in response to the active aggression of a rioter interfering with a lawful arrest, Officer Budworth used baton pushes to move a rioter, now known to be Teri Jacobs, out of the area,” the Portland Police Association said in defense of the indicted cop. “As Officer Budworth cleared Ms. Jacobs from the area to stop her criminal activity, Ms. Jacobs fell to the ground.”

Despite the resignation from the entire riot squad, these officers will remain on the Portland Police Department. 

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