'Armed' antifa thugs descend on Oregon state capitol of Salem: Attack 'Back the Blue' car parade

Lucas Manfredi
Fox News
Sun, 28 Mar 2021 18:38 UTC

© Andy Ngo/Tsitter

Armed antifa rioters in Salem, OR, March 28, 2021

Salem Police arrested at least three people and urged others to stay away from Oregon's State Capitol building Sunday evening as violence linked to Antifa-aligned protesters broke out.

The "heavily armed" crowd had grown to as many as 200 people, Fox 12 Portland reported. The chaos unfolded as a planned right-wing protest and Antifa counter-protest were scheduled in Salem for the same day.

Police received reports of vehicles driving past the Capitol being struck with balloons filled with paint as well as green lasers being pointed at drivers.

Videos shared by independent journalist Andy Ngo show that one vehicle had its window smashed out while another protester was nearly run over by a truck. Ngo said the protesters were Antifa, noting that they brought their flag as well as weapons and riot gear.

Police issued an audible warning to protesters that they are participating in an unpermitted event and blocking Court Street.

"Exit the roadway and obey all laws," they said. "Failure to do so may result in arrest. Stay on the sidewalks and exit the roadway."

Oregon State Police and the Salem Police Department's crowd management teams moved protesters away from the scene.

Police declared the protest an "unlawful assembly" and formed a line in front of the Capitol.

One person arrested by police allegedly had pulled out a gun.

© John Rudoff/Sipa USA

Police made multiple "targeted arrests" in Salem on Sunday, March 28, 2021

Comment: Fat lot of good it does:

"Due to activities expected at the @OregonCapitol today be aware there may be pedestrian congestion in the area," authorities said in a Twitter thread. "If poss[ible], avoid traveling thru streets around the capitol mall. Anyone observing criminal behavior should immediately move to a safe location & call 9-1-1."

"The risk of violence has increased as the opposing protestors are expected to arrive in large numbers," police added. "We are advising residents/visitors to avoid the capitol mall area. For those in the area, please remain cautious/aware given the circumstances."

Authorities said that the department, along with Oregon State Police and the Marion County Sheriff's Office, would be monitoring the situation and that they were "prepared to act in the interest of the public's safety."

Comment: The New York Post reports on one man who chose to stand his ground against the thugs. HE was taken into custody.

Dramatic video shows the moment a man pulls a gun on Antifa protesters as they clashed with demonstrators taking part in a "Freedom Rally" near the Oregon state Capitol on Sunday.

He initially appeared calm as the counter-protesters dressed all in black surrounded and mocked him, with some threateningly aiming canisters at him throughout the confrontation.

But the squabble took an ugly turn after he was either sprayed in the face or struck with an object — prompting him to flinch and draw his weapon on the crowd.

"Get away from me!" he shouted, yanking a handgun from his waistband and cocking it as he aimed it toward the leftist activists.

As the mob screamed about his loaded gun, an armed officer quickly approached and forced the driver to the ground, with a large force of riot police quickly swarming the scene.

"F-k you, Proud Boy!" some in the mob screamed as the officers kept the alleged gunman on the ground.

Oregon State Police Capt. Tim Fox told The Oregonian that the man — who was not identified — had not yet been arrested, and that officers were still investigating the case.

Three others were arrested, however, including an 18-year-old man who was charged with five counts of "unlawful pointing of a laser," state police said in a release.

Police said more than 100 left-wing protesters — many linked to the Youth Liberation Front — turned up to "prevent the Freedom Rally caravan" that was planning to meet at the Capitol. The mob is accused of damaging vehicles, including the alleged gunman's, which was covered in yellow spray paint and had its windows smashed.

Most were "wearing black clothing and ballistic vests and carrying firearms, bats, skateboards, umbrellas, shields and gas masks," police said.

"Soon after their arrival, the Salem Police department began to receive reports that individuals from the Court Street group were targeting vehicles driving by," the statement said.

"The victims reported their vehicles were damaged by paint-filled balloons, rocks and other hard objects being thrown at them as they passed," the force said — highlighting one that "sustained significant damage after a large tree limb was thrown through the front window."

More from The Gateway Pundit:

Antifa terrorists threw rocks and paint bombs at cars and trucks driven by 'Back the Blue' supporters in Salem, Oregon. The demonstration was reportedly organized by the Proud Boys, though according to reports not many Proud Boys showed up. About one hundred fifty Antifa were there to counter and attack them. One driver was arrested by police when he pulled a gun on Antifa after getting out of his pickup truck when it was attacked. Otherwise it appears police let Antifa attack at will.

"Right now in Salem, Oregon. A truck plows thru a crowd of anti-fascist protesters nearly hitting one. The truck is part of a "pro Trump" convoy that has travelled to Salem to counter protest the "No Place for Hate Here" rally."

Another car attacked by Antifa:

The provocations can go on only for so long before someone snaps. As Trump once said:

Trump warns Antifa had better hope the 'other side' doesn't mobilize: They are 'tougher, smarter & angrier'