Portland Police Aim Weapon at Peaceful Protestors

[occupypdxJoeAnybody]

thanks for filming the police pointing weapons at peaceful non violent citizens ...wow

[ShiznitXD]

What were you guys protesting about?

[deltaalphaone1]

They bring M-16 YOU BRING DRUGANOVS --F##K these RATTBASTARDs they bring gun you bring guns --when protestorsw start getting balls and bring guns I shal anity this up then they will call in US military NAtional GUARD and start their NWO GESTAPO TAKEOVER...

[paulyski]

Those are just pepper-ball guns people.

you're at elevated positioning which gives you a tactical advantage over them.

They are on the lookout for attacks.

[rogerallan0512]

@paulyski your right, but the average person doesnt know the difference, and regardless, its still a weapon and they were out of line. a quick scan, i could understand, but that was clearly a sign of intimidation and he was just trying to scare them, and when he saw all it did was get the crowd more pissed and volatile, he should have stopped

[paulyski]

@rogerallan0512 I understand your sentiments.

I'm assuming their rationale was to be able to hit anybody who suddenly appeared to be about to throw something at them.

It only takes a second to raise your arm & throw something..

I could be wrong, but me, personally, if there was a threat from elevated positioning, I would be trained on that position until I withdrew, or the threat potential ceased.

[spdfreak1784]

bahahahah, you are gonna police a missing apostrophe?!? at this point you are exerting too much effort. Get a life :)

[SuperBenzid]

@spdfreak1784 You made other mistakes too, I just pointed out the first one to be polite :). Being unable to write without making many embarrassing mistakes might be funny to you but I find it tragic.

[christopherlamm1]

LMAO!!!!!!!! You people are idiots!!!!! That is a camera you dumb asses!!!!!!! All you can do is make up lies and embellish the truth

[SuperBenzid]

@christopherlamm1 A camera with a red dot sight?

[christopherlamm1]

@SuperBenzid yes. that can looking item on the left of the "rifle" with a wire coming out of it is a high impact tactical camera and the long hollow black pipe is a long range microphone. The red dot helps aim the mic just like how some radars have red dots to target cars.

[SuperBenzid]

@christopherlamm1 Sounds plausible, I haven't heard about that kind of thing but I am willing to believe that such a thing exists. So if I point want of those at cops do you think I might get shot? because I am willing to bet that any sort of distance they are going to assume it is a firearm off of the general appearance. So is it not reasonable that protestors who on average have less knowledge of such equipment also assume it is a firearm?

[christopherlamm1]

@SuperBenzid If I thought a rifle was aimed at me I would follow whatever directions are being told unless I was in the mood for getting shot at. By the rebellious actions of the people in this video they are willing to get shot at so why even bitch about it. LEOs have weapons, always have and forever should.

[SuperBenzid]

@christopherlamm1 Fair enough. I guess it comes down to what sort of society you would like to live in. I think it is a bit over the top to call the actions of the protesters rebellious though. It is a bit melodramatic to consider shouting at police to be a rebellion.

[christopherlamm1]

@SuperBenzid lmao!!!! That is exactly what they are doing! re·bel·lious adjective 1. defying or resisting some established authority, government, or tradition; insubordinate; inclined to rebel.

Not melodramatic; specific

[SuperBenzid]

@christopherlamm1 Completely over the top. I guess in your world being asked for change in extortion and dropping a firecracker is terrorism.

[christopherlamm1]

@SuperBenzid You have no idea what the hell rebellious means.

[jokergd]

seems to be checking everyone out who is on above ground, they are in a vulrneble position and want to check out who surrounds them

the growling obscenities through the blowhorn is not necessarily the best response is it?

[spdfreak1784]

lol, probably a English major with no other future then to teach high school. Good ol saying, "those who cant....teach". And as a result your probably one of these hippie homeless losers who are screaming about the 1 percent. Natural selection has predetermined self entitled idiots like yourself to indefinitely fail at life. Got to admit, English was never my strongest class, but that hasn't stopped me in life. And just because I have to work hard in life doesn't leave me screaming bout the 1%

[SuperBenzid]

@spdfreak1784 You meant "Those who *can't teach".

I am not an English Major, I just have a basic ability to communicate in the written word something you were obviously not taught in your life. I strongly doubt that you work hard in life when you obviously lack any kind of education.

[SL8R71]

LOSERS WILL NEVER ACCOMPLISH SHIT BUT MAKE DUMBASS'S OF THEMSELVES AND BE LAUGHED AT !

[SL8R71]

PUT HIS GUN DOWN? GET A FUCKING JOB AND A LIFE LOSERS!

[spdfreak1784]

I meant restrain...lol. And i wasent trying to publish there buddy. My bad. And no he was not.....i assure you of this...... An officer can point a weapon if he can justify it.... And any officer can justify it in this situation. This officer is doing his job, nothing more to it, argue it all you want, show this clip to ANY lawyer, and there are plenty of reasons why his actions are justified. Argue your little heart out, there just ISINT anything else to it. :P My silly grammar again :)

[SuperBenzid]

@spdfreak1784 I'm sorry I only talk to people that can demonstrate at least a basic level of education. Nothing personal is meant by this, it would just be a waste of time to try and bridge such a gap. As a basic level of intelligence is required to reasonably judge the morality and legality of such situations.

[spdfreak1784]

@SuperBenzid haha, just the way you argue demonstrates you have no argument against me. You attack my intelligence without any real justification. If you had a counter argument to what I said, you would of intelligently proposed it, instead you insulted me. Your the big man :)

[SuperBenzid]

@spdfreak1784

You meant: *You're the big man

That is my justification.

[gijanearmy]

@Emerald007007 What the soldiers are doing over there are fighting for their lives and spilling their own precious blood. Educate yourself before you make a cooment. War is different than police dealing with protesters.

[1bIgFaTsOnOfAbItCh]

These fucking pigs are out of control!! The DoJ really need to intervene. They com in full riot gear with guns for people how don't have any weapons and aren't provoking violence in any fashion. This shit have got to STOP!

[oregonparamedic]

Thank you for proving my point. Consider this. It may not be the message that the public is tired of hearing but instead the method that is used to deliver it. I'll stop feeding the trolls now. Have a good day.

[pdxVisible]

@Brandonjdwright Naturally he's trying to intimidate people. That's kind of the point. Is it okay? No.

Your vitriol is misdirected, both at me and at the police.

Remember, Occupy isn't about fixing the police. Stay on message, folks.

[1bIgFaTsOnOfAbItCh]

@pdxVisible Somebody need to fix the goddamn police!! When you're pointing an assault weapon at UNARMED people that shit needs to be fixed!

[Redlegarty]

It's pepper spray I believe. I like all the drama queens.

[oregonparamedic]

@blkzen : Legal? Explain how destroying 2 parks, costing the city close to 1 million dollars in clean up, police services, and EMS response, increasing the crime rate 18%, and vandalizing property including that of the responders who show up and revive the ones who have overdosed on their drugs. This disorganized mess without a clear message is nothing but a drain on services. You have become your own 1%.

[Brandonjdwright]

@oregonparamedic THIS IS OUR FUCKING COUNTRY AND SHIT NEEDS TO BE DONE WHEN THE THE POLICE DON't LIKE SOMETHING THEY USE FORCE WHY THE FUCK CAN'T WE?

[oregonparamedic]

@Brandonjdwright Since you are incapable of responding in an educated manner I'll make this simple. The police are responding to violations of the law. The laws are set up by the people. If the people don't like the laws in place then it is up to the majority to change them in a civilized manner. Screaming at people in public and swearing on open forums does nothing but destroy your credibility and chances of succeeding for that change.

[Brandonjdwright]

@oregonparamedic ok well how about since I don't like the comment I'll just use pepper spray or threaten to shoot him does that sound like a better alternative than saying a few words and tell me what part of that was uneducated? by your response I sense a little offence on your side good you obviously know nothing of these situations and how corrupt our government really is Mr. Paramedic why don't you sir go eat a dick... Oh i'm sorry was that a uneducated comment?

[spdfreak1784]

@Brandonjdwright It is as simple as the difference between recognized and unrecognized authority. The police have the LEGAL and recognized authority to protect the public and maintain the peace. They are trained in policies and procedures on how to effectively and professionally execute their positions. Portland has a very well trained and professional department and has handled the protest with diligence. The average joe has NO authority to use force to protect or to maintain peace.

[Brandonjdwright]

@oregonparamedic oregonparamedic believes everything he sees on the news it's ok there's a real world outside of your living room and we are pissed and taking over

[blkzen]

@oregonparamedic and what would give them credence to do this to legal citizens. what you don't like what they have to say? so the only thing you can think to do is to suppress them. and you people call us socialists?

[oscaryanna19]

Poor ignorant people!!! They are pepper spray guns!!! Pepper spray!! Pepper spray. If you weren't making a mess of the city no one would point anything at you!

[nookyes]

You have no honor! Of interest: Officer Ryan Lewton pointing what looks like a tear gas gun at protesters who had gathered from a plaza above to watch officers haul off the nine people pulled from a Wells Fargo branch yesterday. (Lewton, you'll recall, is the cop suspended for shooting Aaron Campbell with beanbag ammo last year. Campbell flinched, and then Officer Ron Frashour shot Campbell with his rifle.)

[JeffGeigercr]

Looks to me like the officer would be using rational thought. You guys up on the roof are a possible threat they are arresting people and you would have an advantage on the police position yelling sure doesn't help. That is a form of aggression especially when you are on a roof as higher ground always has an advantage over lower ground.

[kylepass08]

protect and serve

[perkele311]

Man… That is not acceptable and I come from a family with military backgrounds and I have been shooting my entire life. I will not accept this..

[nookyes]

@perkele311 thank you for saying this. This is the same officer who escalated the Aaron Campbell situation (see Portland Mercury report)

[spankmecold]

SW 4th between Salmon and Taylor, almost 12 noon exactly. I was there, off-camera to the left along the ledge.

[UrsaMumble]

sorry...Lewton

..



[UrsaMumble]

This is officer Lawton

There is a new article on the Daily Kos about him...

[pdxVisible]

Looks to me like he's just using his scope to inspect each person in front of him in turn. He probably doesn't even have his finger on the trigger of whatever that is. He just seems to be inspecting everyone for signs of threat. Not a bad idea, people sound pretty worked up.

[InYourFaceRadio]

@pdxVisible BS

[pdxvideo1]

@pdxVisible People were not worked up until he started pointing his gun at us.

[sit0ma]

@pdxVisible gun safety clearly states not to point a weapon at another person.

[kangaldogs0331]

@sit0ma Unless you are using less than lethal applications and the crowd is gettin aggressive. Sounds pretty aggressive to me. The officer used a lot of restraint given that he is underpaid, overworked and outnumbered.

[SL8R71]

@sit0ma GUN SAFETY CAN ONLY SUGGEST SOMETHING LIKE SOMEONE CAN ONLY SUGGEST YOU DONT STICK YOUR HAND IN A FIRE OR IT WILL BURN YOU! BESIDES HE WAS ONLY LOOKING THRU HIS SCOPE TO ASESS THE DUMBASS PROTESTERS THAT ARE MAKING FOOLS OF THEMSELVES AND WILL NEVER ACCOMPLISH SHIT! THERE 15 MINUTES OF SHAME WILL COME AND GO!

[Roboto6]

@pdxVisible No person who has had training in firearms, much less a cop, would use the scope of a firearm to view any possible targets. He is doing this in full knowledge that he can now shoot any of these people, and probably intends to. You make looking through the scope sound so innocent. He knows that he's pointing the gun at people, and you never, EVER, point a gun at someone unless you intend to shoot them.

[spdfreak1784]

@Roboto6 its not a lethal weapon, its a less than lethal weapon used for deploying chemical agents, such as pepper spray.

[Roboto6]

@spdfreak1784 Doesn't change the fact that you don't point guns at people...

[SuperBenzid]

@spdfreak1784 Is it cool if I point pepper spray at the police as long as I don't fire it? Do you think they would be fine with that? If I cannot point pepper spray at officers conducting lawful business why can a police officer point pepper spray at citizens conducting lawful business. If the protesters visibly aimed pepperball launchers at the police but refrained from firing would you find that acceptable behavior?

[spdfreak1784]

@SuperBenzid And they have reasonable cause to feel threatened when there is a bunch of yahoos on higher ground screaming profanities at them as they arrest some of the participants in the protest. Everything an officer does is a reaction to someones action, put urself in their shoes. Their training attempts to help them limit the time between action and reaction in dangerous situations. They want to go home to their families at the end of the day. They can justify their actions. Nuff said.

[SuperBenzid]

@spdfreak1784 Sorry, I thought you were from America but obviously since you did believe in peoples right to peacefully assemble and you believe people exercising free speech is reason enough for police to draw guns then you must be from Burma or Iran.

I like how you believe the correct response to feeling threatened is to threaten, what a great way to deal with large groups of people lol. Unarmed people 40 feet away are so threatening when you have guns and body armor too.

[spdfreak1784]

@SuperBenzid lol, i assure you i am from the United States of America. I am a patriotic American that believes in our constitution. I will restrain from insulting you, to only state the facts, just as i have been. Guns in the United States are plentiful and easy to obtain, the effective range of a firearm is well greater then 40 feet. The threat isint the peacefully assembly of people, its the nasty few who want to hurt people, who don't believe in keeping the peace of our streets. Anarchists.

[spdfreak1784]

@SuperBenzid Also, I want to ask you, what do you do for a living? Just from listening to you I can tell you've never risked your life for what you believe, be it the United States, the peace in society, freedom, anything. The day you do, will be the day your eyes open and you see what people are capable of. These officers have exercised great bravery and self control, they don't act out of fear, they react to actions of others. And they have not violated our countries constitution in any way.

[SuperBenzid]

@spdfreak1784 I think you're trolling. I am not sure you are American either as your ability to communicate in English is not good. "restrain" when you meant refrain; "well greater" when you meant far greater, "isint " when you meant isn't. I wouldn't normally point it out but I just don't believe that English is your first language.

Also brandishing any kind of weapon is an aggressive act on its own. There is a long legal precedent for this. That police officer was acting unlawfully.

[blkzen]

@pdxVisible um, pointing a loaded gun at someone is never a good idea. actually, its the first thing they teach you while learning to use a gun.

[Brandonjdwright]

@pdxVisible Fuck you your part of the reason they are allowed to do this he clearly is trying to intimidate everyone the police don't realize that the protester not only in Portland but all over our country are trying to make a difference for everyone including the piece of shit aiming the gun at people

[donsbarkingdogs3]

@pdxVisible 0:18 you can see it is not a scope. looks like a red dot sight, no/little magnification. From that distance you can see more not looking through a small piece of glass.

[montyslo]

@pdxVisible you clearly have never taken any gun safety classes. you never point your weapon at anything unless you intend to kill or destroy it. ever. period.

not to mention his scope doesnt provide any magnification what so ever and looks to be a holographic sight which wouldnt give him any better of a view than his own eye balls.

[aylera]

@montyslo Hes a cop, he's allowed to point his gun at people. And they do it to scope. Could he be taking advantage of his right to do so, to intentionally work up the protesters? I might have.

[montyslo]

@aylera actually no. They have protocols where there must be a reasonable need to point a weapon at someone. And that "scope" doesnt provide any magnification and has no need to be used except for when aiming. You know the first thing they teach police officers who are authorized to put tactical lights on their guns? that the light is NOT a flashlight and is NOT for locating things in the dark (i know its not the same but...) sorry iwould fire an officer with that kind of trigger discipline

[301steady]

I am just wondering.... who is going to be the one to fire the FIRST shot of the civil war; because, that's what these "government employees" are pushing for.

Steeling from us. Arresting us. Defending the thieves. They better wise up and start thinking that they may be on the wrong side of what looks like an upcoming civil war.

[nathuwjohn]

the only way to stop this is with a tax rebellion. the police will not get their checks.. and the courts will be bogged down and the 'free press' will be forced to report it.

[memorableprintsonlin]

This is what a police state looks like!

[kherpuppet]

where exactly was this? Street address, corner, intersection, what? Time of day? It'll help if it needs to go to court. We need to make sure we have irrefutable, unimpeachable documentation for court.

[reidpar]

@kherpuppet See description.

[UrsaMumble]

We are non violent!!

[jacobobriendesign]

What a coward. Disgusting.