Lincoln, Roosevelt statues toppled, 3 arrested after riot declared in Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — A gathering in Southwest Portland was declared a riot by Portland Police on Sunday night and three people were arrested after reports of vandalism and at least two statues were toppled.

Portland Police said that a group of protesters gathered at SW Park Ave and SW Madison Ave and were trying to pull down a statue with a chain earlier in the evening. KATU News later confirmed that an Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt statues in Portland were toppled.

The following people face charges stemming from the Sunday's night protest that was eventually declared a riot:

• Malik Muhamad, 23, of Portland - criminal mischief in the first degree (6 counts), riot, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a loaded firearm in public
• Justin Bowen, 25, of Portland -- assault in the fourth Degree (2 counts), unlawful use of pepper spray
• Brandon Bartells, 38, of Washington -- criminal mischief in the first degree, reckless endangering

Protest organizers called the demonstration 'Indigenous Peoples' Day of Rage,' ahead of Columbus Day. Portland Police estimated the group's size at about 300 people.

Earlier in the evening, police warned protesters that anyone involved in criminal behavior, including vandalism, would be subject to arrest or citation.

Just before 10 p.m., police said they received reports of windows being broken in multiple buildings and declared the gathering a riot.

Police said members of the crowd threw three lit flares into the Oregon Historical Society. The flares went out before catching the building on fire.

Police said the group then moved towards the Portland State University campus, vandalizing several buildings during a march.

Officers arrested three people during the event, including a driver who helped pull down one of the statues.

RELATED |Police quickly arrest 26 protesters outside Portland's North Precinct on Saturday

At one point, someone fired a gun through the front window of a restaurant.

Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell said that knowing people in the crowd had loaded firearms impacted the way officers were able to respond with crowd control.

Portland Mayor and Police Commissioner Ted Wheeler talked with the media on Monday morning, saying he denounces the violence downtown.

His opponent in the upcoming election, Sarah Iannarone, put out a statement condemning what she called acts of violence and destruction. She told those who want statues removed to engage in public process.

Early Monday morning, President Trump weighed in on the protest.