Capitol surveillance footage shows state Rep. Mike Nearman, R-Independence, allowing demonstrators into the building. (Screen grab.)
A coalition of labor and progressive political groups on Monday called on the Legislature to remove state. Rep. Mike Nearman, R-Independence, for allowing a confrontational crowd into the Capitol building last month.
Earlier this month, surveillance footage was released showing Nearman opening the door for demonstrators standing outside the Capitol building during a one-day special session in December. The Capitol is closed due to pandemic restrictions. The crowd rushed into the vestibule where they violently clashed with police.
The groups seeking Nearman’s ouster include the Western States Center, Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste, Service Employees International Union and others. During a virtual news conference on Monday, the groups called on the Oregon House to use a provision of the state constitution to expel Nearman with a two-thirds vote for engaging in “disorderly behavior.” The groups said that Nearman’s actions foreshadowed the Jan. 6 sacking of the U.S. Capitol and that his actions enabled right-wing extremism.
Oregon State Police have opened a criminal investigation into the incident. Nearman has resisted calls to resign and has responded with a combative statement portraying himself as the victim.
“Literally opening the door for the capitol to be attacked and then not taking ownership for it clearly falls into any reasonable definition of disorderly,” Amy Herzfeld-Copple, Western States Center deputy director of programs, said in a statement. “It is, in fact, dangerous and reckless, and Rep. Nearman must be removed from office.”
-Jake Thomas
