Portland braces for dueling protests: What we know

CNN — Multiple far-right and extremist groups plan to protest in Portland, Oregon, this weekend where they may come face to face with anti-fascist counterdemonstrators. Opposing the groups is expected to be Portland’s Rose City Antifa, which Beirich describes as “aggressive.” In its own statement on the event, the group is saying “no matter how violent their threats are: we will defend ourselves and our community.” Why there are fears of violence Biggs is known for his extreme rhetoric against Antifa members, the often black-clad left-wingers who maintain they are fighting fascism and often crash far-right events. Some commenters have said they are ready to defend themselves or “to do battle.” On the opposing side, Rose City Antifa posted a call to “defend Portland against far-right attack.” On a Facebook page encouraging people to demonstrate, the group says they believe the city is a target “for right-wing attacks precisely because it is a symbol of progressive values.” Why Portland The city has become the scene of violent protests in recent years. “Now we’re seeing an increase of planned brawls, planned fights where you have opposing sides coming together, meeting in the city of Portland in specific areas for the sole purpose of fighting over ideological differences,” she said in a podcast on the Portland Police website. Stop using our beautiful city and our home to spread fear and disrupt our lives.” Police Chief Outlaw said: “We don’t condone this.