Loretta Smith calls for open carry for Portland city councilors following latest protest

A recent disruption at a Portland City Council meeting has prompted a councilor to consider altering rules regarding firearms in City Hall. The proposal comes after an incident involving protesters and a council member, raising questions about safety and the exercise of First Amendment rights.

Councilor Proposes Change to Firearms Policy

Councilor Loretta Smith, representing District 1 in East Portland, has drafted a city ordinance that would allow city councilors to openly carry a firearm while conducting city business. Smith, who has never carried a firearm herself, described the potential change as a “defensive mechanism,” suggesting that visible self-protection could deter disruptive behavior.

A History of Protest in Portland

Portland has a long-established culture of public protest and City Hall has frequently been the site of demonstrations. However, Smith indicated that recent protests feel different in nature. For months, a group called “Revoke the ICE Permit PDX” has been actively campaigning for the city council to take action to close the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office located in South Portland.

Disruption at Wednesday’s Meeting

On Wednesday evening, approximately 40 members of “Revoke the ICE Permit PDX” interrupted the council meeting with chants and demands. During the disruption, Susan Anglada Bartley approached the council dais and presented a petition containing 19,000 signatures calling for the closure of the ICE office. She stated she had attempted to present the petition five previous times without receiving attention.

Did You Know? Previous city commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty had bulletproof glass installed in her council office due to receiving numerous death threats.

As security guards attempted to remove Anglada Bartley, an interaction occurred that involved her being pushed toward Councilor Smith. Smith documented the encounter with her phone, capturing an image of Anglada Bartley holding the petition while a security guard’s arm was around her neck. Anglada Bartley, along with three others, were subsequently arrested by Portland police and charged with trespassing.

Differing Perspectives on the Incident

Smith characterized the protesters as “aggressive” and stated that their actions impede the council’s ability to conduct business. Anglada Bartley, however, maintained that her actions were non-violent and intended as a form of peaceful protest. She questioned why she was being “threatened with violence” for simply presenting a petition.

Expert Insight: The proposal to allow councilors to carry firearms introduces a complex dynamic between security concerns and the potential for escalating tensions during public meetings. The presence of visible weapons could be interpreted in multiple ways, potentially influencing the behavior of protesters and impacting the overall atmosphere of civic engagement.

Smith also expressed feeling vulnerable as a woman of colour in political office. Wednesday’s meeting ultimately resumed after a 40-minute delay, with all councilors participating remotely. This marks the second time a meeting has been moved online due to protests from the “Revoke” group; a similar situation occurred on January 21.

What’s Next?

Smith’s proposed ordinance has not yet been reviewed by the city’s legal team. It is possible the ordinance will be debated by the city council. Council President Jamie Dunphy will continue to determine when to remove disruptive individuals from meetings and whether to move proceedings online. Mayor Keith Wilson acknowledged the safety risks posed by the disruptions but did not explicitly endorse Smith’s proposal. A possible next step could involve a public discussion about the balance between security measures and the public’s right to protest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted Councilor Smith to draft the ordinance?

The ordinance was drafted after protesters interrupted a Portland City Council meeting on Wednesday, and an interaction occurred between a protester and Councilor Smith.

What is the “Revoke the ICE Permit PDX” group advocating for?

The group is urging the city council to take legislative action to close the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in South Portland.

What is the current policy regarding firearms in Portland City Hall?

Portlanders are allowed to carry a concealed firearm in most public buildings with a licence, but it is illegal to openly carry a loaded firearm in public, with some exceptions.

As Portland grapples with balancing public safety and the right to protest, how might changes to City Hall’s firearms policy impact the dynamic between elected officials and their constituents?