PORTLAND (AP) — Members of the Occupy Portland movement “reclaimed” a foreclosed house while protesters and police engaged in several skirmishes on May Day in Portland. In Seattle, black-clad protesters with sticks and bats smashed windows in stores and automobiles in May Day demonstrations that turned violent, and police recovered homemade incendiary devices made from toilet paper rolls and fruit juice boxes.
A few thousand people marched through downtown Portland on Tuesday afternoon as part of an annual May Day parade that has turned violent in years past. This year’s event, which included many students and union members, passed with few arrests as demonstrators chanted for jobs and justice while opposing war and Wells Fargo. Organizers received a permit for that march and coordinated plans with police.
Earlier Tuesday, Portland police made more than a dozen arrests as protesters staging a much-smaller parade without a permit scuffled with officers who demanded they march on the sidewalk. Shoving matches ensued when police on bikes and horses tried to push protesters away from traffic. Those arrested were charged with disorderly conduct and interfering with a police officer.
The protest veered to Pioneer Place mall at one point, with demonstrators chanting for the place to shut down.
