A pro-Trump ‘Stop the Steal’ rally was held on Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Capitol. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
This story was updated to include comments from Oregon State Police.
A week after a confrontational demonstration against pandemic restrictions in Salem brought police officers in riot gear to downtown streets, Oregon’s capital city is preparing for another protest event planned for Wednesday, Jan. 6.
Protesters across the country, including Washington D.C., are planning to gather in state capitals to rally against what they characterize as widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election. Claims of widespread voter fraud have been repeatedly debunked, including by President Donald Trump’s own attorney general, and rejected by courts over 50 times.
Lt. Treven Upkes, Salem Police Department spokesman, said local law enforcement is unsure who is organizing Wednesday’s events and police are relying on information from social media posts. Police currently do not have any planned street closures.
According to posts on Facebook, a Christian prayer protest runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Capitol, followed by a national “Stop the Steal” event at 1 p.m.
On Wednesday, Congress will meet in a joint session to certify the election results.
The procedure is typically a constitutional formality that receives little attention. But this year is different. Trump has made baseless claims insisting the election was marred by widespread voter fraud in key states.
Members of Congress can object to the certification. Dozens of House members and at least 12 senators, all Republicans, have signaled they will do so. The objections will trigger a process that could throw out electoral votes. However, the challenges are not expected to muster enough votes to prevail.
Upkes said Salem police’ will provide backup for Oregon State Police, a similar role it played at last week’s demonstrations.
Capt. Tim Fox, Oregon State Police spokesman, said state police are adding additional patrols Wednesday and bringing on specialty units like the mobile response team and SWAT.
“Those that come to protest – please do so lawfully, if you participate in criminal behavior you may be subject to arrest or investigation,” Fox said in an email.
Upkes said Salem police plan to follow the objectives put out by the new Police Chief Trevor Womack in December.
In a statement released on Dec. 18, Womack said Salem police are deeply concerned about large demonstrations in residential neighborhoods and the disruptions they cause. But he noted there is little the city can do to intervene when a large group of people march in the street without a permit.
“The city will continue to closely monitor these events, and consistent with our primary interest in preserving public safety, will take appropriate action as is warranted under the circumstances. Police resources are called in and on standby when we are aware of groups’ plans to protest, assemble, or march in Salem,” he wrote.
Have a tip? Contact reporter Saphara Harrell at 503-549-6250, [email protected].
Contact reporter Jake Thomas at 503-575-1251 or [email protected] or @jakethomas2009.
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