After protesters disrupted a Portland City Council meeting, Councilor Loretta Smith is pushing to change the rules on guns in City Hall. She’s proposing a new ordinance that would let city councilors openly carry firearms while doing their jobs. Interesting note: Smith has never been a gun owner.
In her words, it’s about self-defense. “If people know you can protect yourself, they might think twice before messing with you,” she told OPB.
Portland has a long history of protest. However, Smith feels the atmosphere has shifted recently. A group called “Revoke the ICE Permit PDX” is calling for stronger actions against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in South Portland. During the recent council meeting, around 40 activists interrupted the session with loud chants. One protester, Susan Anglada Bartley, tried to present a petition with 19,000 signatures asking the council to act.
When security attempted to escort her out, Anglada Bartley found herself near Smith, who captured the moment on her phone. The altercation led to Anglada Bartley’s arrest, along with several others, on charges of trespassing.
This incident left Smith shaken. She shared her experiences on social media, describing the protesters as increasingly aggressive. “They yelled at me, ‘Do your job, Councilor Smith,’” she shared, expressing frustration over the disruptions. Anglada Bartley counters that her actions were non-violent and merely aimed at bringing attention to the issue.
Smith, as a woman of color in office, feels particularly threatened. She’s not alone; former Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty had to replace her office windows with bulletproof glass after receiving numerous death threats.
This incident caused another shift in the council meeting, which moved online after a 40-minute delay. Protests have led to virtual meetings before, showing how tensions are rising in Portland’s political arena.
Oregon allows concealed carry of firearms for those with licenses but faces challenges with open carry regulations. Smith’s proposed ordinance would seek to change this, pending legal review. The debate around her proposal is heated. Holly Brown, an organizer for the Revoke the Permit group, expressed disbelief. “Councilor Smith is so afraid of her constituents that she wants to shoot people?” she said.
The meeting’s disruptions have been a concern for city officials. Council President Jamie Dunphy has to decide when to clear chambers for disruptive activities, a difficult task given the rights of protesters. Mayor Keith Wilson commented on the risks posed by such protests but did not publicly endorse Smith’s proposal.
According to the Portland Police Bureau, about 26 officers were present at the recent protest. Luckily, no one was injured. Police Chief Bob Day emphasized the balance between respecting community rights and ensuring safety.
With continuing protests, the city is facing critical questions about safety, rights, and community engagement. This tension reflects broader trends across the country, where political discourse is increasingly polarized. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone following local governance today.
For more information on Portland’s policy and safety measures, check the Portland City Council.
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Northwest Politics | Politics | Portland City Council | Portland | Guns
