Federal courthouse in downtown Portland removes fence erected during 2020 protests

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The fences that have surrounded the perimeter of the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse in downtown Portland for the past four years are finally coming down.

Workers were seen removing the fencing Wednesday morning along the west side of the building between SW Third Avenue and Lownsdale Square.

The decision to remove the fencing follows the installation of massive stainless steel walls that function like hinged airplane hangar doors, which will allow the building to withstand most thrown projectiles.

In 2020, months of protests took place in front of the courthouse following the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. Demonstrations varied from peaceful marches of thousands of people, to vandalism sprees and violent clashes between smaller groups and law enforcement.

Riots in the area led to launched mortars and fireworks near the Multnomah County Justice Center and Federal Courthouse — followed by law enforcement’s use of tear gas, rubber bullets and other crowd control munitions.

It was briefly removed in 2021, but then put back up after protests and vandalism returned around the building.

The Portland Tribune previously reported the recent upgrade cost an estimated $4.5 million, which included renovations to the entryways of the building. The Justice Center recently received a budget of $3 million to install bulletproof windows and secure entries.

It is unclear how long it will take for the fencing to be removed from the Federal Courthouse.

Stay with KOIN 6 as this story develops.