Latest Portland State protest leads to multiple arrests, college says

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Multiple arrests were made on Portland State University’s campus Thursday evening, according to the college, after two students reportedly chained themselves to an administration building one day after a similar incident and subsequent arrests occurred. 

According to a PSU spokesperson, a message was sent to the campus community about the Thursday protests surrounding the Richard and Maurine Neuberger Center. 

It all began when a planned rally at Urban Plaza occurred around 4 p.m., which was peaceful. Then around 5 p.m. “a crowd of protesters arrived at the Richard and Maurine Neuberger Center (RMNC)," the college said.

“[T]wo protesters chained themselves to the building. A crowd of protesters formed around the people chained to the building. Campus Public Safety officers and the Portland Police Bureau responded. Those chained to the building were arrested,” according to a PSU spokesperson.

In addition, a group of protesters in the lower garage of the RMNC building were also arrested, the message continued. One campus officer was taken to the hospital, PSU said.

KOIN 6 News reached out to the Portland Police Bureau for comment. In response, a PPB spokesperson did confirm officers “assisted PSU Campus Public Safety.” He added PPB assisted CPSO in making some arrests. PPB said PSU would have to confirm any further details, such as who was arrested.

This all comes as flyers circulated online calling for a “Peaceful protest at Urban Plaza at 4 p.m.” earlier in the day. The flyer said it was in the name of “love for Palestine.”

Earlier in May, a multi-day occupation occurred at PSU’s Millar Library amid Gaza ceasefire protests from a mix of students and others. It caused significant property damage to the library that the college now estimates will cost north of $750,000 to repair, leaving the building unavailable for student use until at least the fall.

This is a developing story. KOIN 6 News will update this article if more information becomes available.