Over and over again, Portlanders have watched as our millionaire mayor and his police force have protected fascist demonstrators who wear shirts that say “Pinochet did nothing wrong” while demonizing and brutalizing anti-fascists who turn out to defend our most vulnerable communities. Now Mayor Wheeler wants to make it even easier for Chief Outlaw and the Portland police to restrict protests that counter these violent fascists and is using the horrifying news about armed Patriot Prayer members gathering on a rooftop to bolster his cause, news that the city has been sitting on quietly until now. This news serves as further proof that the Portland police can ignore or outright enable the violence of the right wing while targeting the left and lying to the public and face absolutely zero consequences from our spineless mayor. So make no mistake — if passed, this ordinance will only be used to strengthen and justify repression against anti-racist, anti-fascist protests while continuing to create protected spaces for fascists to spread their violent ideas. We expect city officials to protect our residents and respect our right to protest. We hope that the commissioners have the sense to vote against this authoritarian proposal.