PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Governor Tina Kotek criticized federal agents’ handling of recent demonstrations in Portland, saying their actions have worsened tensions and that recent violence has primarily come from counterprotesters, not those originally demonstrating.
In a Monday interview with CBS News, Kotek addressed the growing concern over confrontations near federal buildings in Portland. She emphasized that local law enforcement is fully capable of managing the situation and urged federal authorities to de-escalate their approach.
Governor Calls for Restraint from Federal Agents
Kotek argued that the federal presence in Portland is doing more harm than good. “What’s happening with the federal agents in the building — what they are doing and how they are approaching the situation — is actually escalating it,” she said. “I would ask them to stand back and focus on de-escalating the situation.”
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She clarified that Oregon officials, including local police departments, have been effectively handling the demonstrations. “This set of demonstrations that are happening are managed by local law enforcement, as they should be,” Kotek noted. “People have the right to lawfully protest, but if they cross the line, they are being held accountable. If criminal activity occurs, they are being held accountable.”
Counterprotesters Blamed for Recent Clashes
The governor highlighted that much of the recent disorder has not originated from the demonstrators themselves. “The ongoing demonstrations in front of this building — a lot of folks are hanging out, exercising their free speech,” she said. “Now, there are counterdemonstrators coming in, and the criminal activity in the last couple of days has been counterprotesters having arguments and fights with protesters.”
Kotek pointed to these altercations as the main source of conflict, saying that the federal agents’ heavy-handed tactics are contributing to an already tense environment rather than helping to calm it.
Portland Is Safe, Governor Says
Countering national portrayals of Portland as chaotic, Kotek insisted that the city remains safe and vibrant. “The president just doesn’t have the right information,” she said. “Portland is safe, it’s a beautiful city, and we know how to lawfully protest in Oregon.”
She described the demonstrations as a legitimate expression of free speech, noting that most participants have been peaceful. “This is what free speech looks like,” Kotek said. “People are voicing their opinions, and as long as they stay within the law, they should be respected.”
Emphasis on Local Control
Governor Kotek also reaffirmed her stance that local authorities, not federal agents, should take the lead in handling protests and maintaining public order. “Local law enforcement is handling the protests just fine,” she said. “Federal involvement should be limited and supportive, not confrontational.”
A Plea for De-Escalation
As protests continue, Kotek’s message to federal officials was clear: step back and allow Oregon to manage its own response. “The situation is not coming from the folks who are demonstrating,” she said, reiterating her belief that the best path forward is through calm communication and restraint.
With Portland once again under national scrutiny, Kotek’s remarks underscore the ongoing tension between state and federal authorities over how best to handle public demonstrations — and the fine balance between maintaining order and respecting constitutional rights.
