More Radical Change

Scorning Biden, Protesters in Portland and Seattle Call for More Radical Change

Mike Baker and Hallie Golden

In Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, protesters marched through downtown areas Wednesday carrying signs opposing the police, immigration authorities and government in general, and some people in each city vandalized buildings symbolizing institutional power.

In Portland, about 200 people clad in black marched to the local Democratic headquarters, where some of them smashed windows and tipped over garbage containers, lighting the contents of one on fire.

Those who took to the streets Wednesday said they were a mix of anarchists, anti-fascists and racial justice protesters. One of their signs said, “We don’t want Biden — we want revenge” for killings committed by police officers and “fascist massacres.”

In a city that has seen months of demonstrations over racial injustice, economic inequality, federal law enforcement and corporate power — and some of the harshest law enforcement responses to such protests — protesters have vowed to continue their actions no matter who is president. “We are ungovernable,” one sign in the crowd said.

In Seattle, about 150 people marched with large banners that said “Abolish ICE, no cops, prisons, borders, presidents.” Some spray-painted buildings with an anarchist symbol and broke windows, including at a federal courthouse.

Seattle police officers followed the group and began to surround it as night fell.

In Portland, police officers scuffled with protesters before the march began. Later, they made some arrests.

At a separate demonstration in Portland, people gathered to hear speakers who celebrated former President Donald Trump’s departure but called for continued pressure for government action.

“The fight has just begun,” said Ray Austin, 25. He said the damage done by Trump could not be undone by the likes of President Joe Biden and that the nation needed a groundswell of people demanding more.

Speakers at the event called for the Green New Deal to fight climate change, a “Medicare for All”-style health insurance system, overhauls of police departments to address racial disparities and other fundamental changes.