The federal government is stepping into the breech left in the justice system by alleged DA Mike Schmidt, who has summarily dismissed charges against literally hundreds of rioters in Portland, Oregon. They have selected 74 suspects that Schmidt refuses to prosecute.
U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams said:
Violent agitators have hijacked any semblance of First Amendment protected activity, engaging in violent criminal acts and destruction of public safety. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners are expeditiously working with local and state law enforcement to identify, arrest, and prosecute these individuals that are disrupting the rule of law in our communities and physically attacking our law enforcement officers and destroying property.
Renn Cannon, special agent in charge of the FBI in Orego, said:
While the FBI supports and safeguards Constitutionally-protected activity and civil rights, there is no permit for assault, arson or property damage and these are not victimless crimes. Among the victims of violent crime are business owners, residents and individuals exercising their First Amendment rights through protests or other legitimate forms of expression.
Once Schmidt took over the prosecutor’s office, the first thing he did was drop charges against hundreds of the 600 people who were arrested for crimes committed during the riots. He is even taking into account that any rioter who was arrested after police were forced to use tear gas would get special consideration when it comes to dropping charges.
DOJ press release said:
Since May 26, 2020, federal law enforcement authorities have arrested 100 people for crimes committed during local demonstrations. Seventy-four face federal charges, including felonies, misdemeanors, and citation violations. Crimes include assaults on federal officers, some resulting in serious injuries; arson and attempted arson; damaging federal government property; failing to obey lawful orders; and unlawful use of a drone; among others.