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After a week of bracing for disruptive Inauguration Day demonstrations, local law enforcement is still uncertain what to expect

A woman uses a megaphone to talk to police after an unlawful assembly was declared at the Oregon State Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)

Ahead of an anticipated protest at the Oregon State Capitol on Wednesday, Oregon’s law enforcement agencies say they’re coordinating and prepared to respond to potential violence and unrest. But they still haven’t been able to pinpoint how many people will show up to protest Joe Biden being sworn in as president. 

Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack said during a Tuesday afternoon news conference that protests in Oregon’s capital city have increased in size and frequency in recent months. But none of the law enforcement agencies on the call estimated the size of tomorrow’s event at the Capitol or the timeframe in which it will take place.

During the Jan. 11 Salem City Council meeting, Womack said there have been 100 protests in Salem since June.

Womack reiterated priorities he released in December on how Salem police view their role during protests.

He said the department bases its actions on public safety interests, not ideology, a response to criticisms that officers have taken a heavy hand with some groups based on their politics.

“We find ourselves here at the Salem Police Department, and I think law enforcement in general, continually balancing the sometimes competing interests of protecting public safety and guarding and encouraging and facilitating individual constitutional rights. For example, free speech and assembly and the Second Amendment,” Womack said. “I want to assure everyone that the Salem Police Department stands neutral in that area.”

He said the department’s main priority is to prevent or intervene during acts of violence and property damage.

In December, rioters attempted to force their way into the Oregon Capitol during a special session. Womack also said Salem police want to deny unlawful occupation of buildings and will work to keep opposing groups separated.

He said the department will conduct follow-up investigations to hold people accountable for crimes committed during protests.

“The work for us doesn’t end when the protest ends, it continues on,” Womack said.

Lt. Treven Upkes, Salem police spokesman, said police are prepared for Wednesday, but there is no information about what to expect locally. 

“At this point we are fully standing up all of our teams and everybody just as a precaution,” he said.

But there are planned events in Portland, with a broad group of anti-government demonstrators advertising an afternoon “J20” protest starting at 2 p.m. at Revolution Hall, according to The Oregonian.

During Tuesday’s press conference, Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell said Portland police are monitoring the Revolution Hall event.

Have a tip? Contact reporter Saphara Harrell at 503-549-6250, [email protected].

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