Protesters damage Trump supporter's vehicle after march downtown
EUGENE, Ore. – A group of people protesting President Trump’s temporary immigration ban vandalized a vehicle in west Eugene Sunday.
According to the Eugene Police Department, the protest started at the Eugene Federal Building with at least 1,000 people.
Before the rally ended, a group of protesters formed and began an unscheduled march through downtown Eugene. The group of about 150 people marched to Broadway Plaza and occupied the entire roadway as they marched.
Police say the group gathered at Broadway Plaza for a while before continuing through the streets. At one point, the protesters marched the wrong way on W. 11th Avenue.
The group encountered a vehicle with a pro-Trump flag attached and began vandalizing the vehicle. According to police, the protesters ripped off the flag and partially burned it. They also punctured a back tire and damaged the hood by pounding on it.
The driver was not harmed.
A small group of marchers continued to block the streets. Organizers tried negotiating with them, but had minimal success.
The group was eventually disbanded about a block away from Broadway Plaza.
Cpt. Sam Kamkar from the Eugene Police Department released the following statement in regard to Sunday’s events:
“Everyone in our community has a constitutional right to voice their opinion, exercise their right to a lawful assembly and carry on with their daily lives without being harassed, intimidated or retaliated by any individual or group,
"To harm someone or their property due to perceived political beliefs is a bias crime and we will not tolerate that in Eugene. This cost taxpayer money to respond to and victimized an individual who has a right to their beliefs and their safety. We expect everyone will do their part to maintain a lawful and peaceful assembly as they exercise free speech and allow others to do the same."
Eugene Police officers are currently investigating the vandalism incident. Anyone with information should call (541) 682-5111
