For the second night in a row, a downtown Eugene curfew was extended city wide Sunday night.
The Eugene Police Department says arrests were made after groups of people moved around the downtown area, refusing to honor the curfew. Some began hitting light poles with hammers, while another small group knocked over mailboxes. In an effort to get the crowd to disperse EPD released tear gas near 10th and Willamette at 8:18 p.m.
Then, a group of 50-60 protesters at 8th and Mill blocked traffic, and the Ferry St. bridge was closed to prevent them from moving that direction.
With the group moving towards the University of Oregon campus, tear gas was again deployed near Kincaid and 14th at 11:11 p.m.
Multiple people were arrested. After the arrests, Eugene Police Chief Chris Skinner released the following statement:
“We had a largely lawful protest earlier today, where organizers worked to provide a safe framework for their free speech. Later, there was a group that appeared to have a different set of goals. These protesters we have been seeing as daylight falls appear to be younger and excited about creating conflict. This comes at a cost to the community. Our local businesses and residents can’t afford and don’t deserve to have to pay for what occurs when mobs get out of control.”
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