Far-right demonstrators attack a photojournalist during a protest at the Oregon State Capitol Monday. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)
Chandler Pappas, a supporter of right-wing protest group Patriot Prayer, will be allowed to move out of state while he awaits trial on charges of assaulting police and attempting to break into the Oregon Capitol on Dec. 21.
On Thursday, Marion County Circuit Court Judge Courtland Geyer approved the conditions for the release of Pappas. Under the agreement, Pappas will be allowed to relocate to Chandler, Arizona while he awaits trial.
On January 7, Pappas, 27, of Portland, was indicted on felony charges of unlawful use of mace, criminal trespass in possession of a firearm, burglary in the first degree and riot.
The charges stemmed from a riot outside the Oregon Capitol during a one-day special session. During the dustup, rioters smashed windows in an attempt to break into the Capitol and assaulted journalists and police. Pappas is accused of pepper-spraying six police officers during the incident.
Pappas has been involved with last summer’s street protests and made national news after watching Aaron “Jay” Danielson die after being shot by a self-described anti-fascist activist during a confrontation in Portland.
While several other people face charges for their involvement in the incident, Pappas faces the most serious.
On Feb. 5, the judge approved Pappas’ release from jail under the agreement that he not possess or consume alcohol, possess firearms or bear mace, participate in public demonstrations and must stay at least two blocks away from the Oregon Capitol.
Pappas is represented by Salem attorney David Kuhns, who did not return a phone call seeking comment on Friday.
-Jake Thomas
