RantCrush Top 5: June 5, 2017

More than 1,000 people gathered for protests and counter-protests in Portland, Oregon on Sunday. After the Memorial Day stabbing that killed two men and injured a third, tensions have been high in the city. A far-right group, Patriot Prayer, organized the event, and marketed it as a free speech rally for Trump supporters. But counter protesters outnumbered them–labor groups, religious groups, socialists, and anti-fascists showed up to protest hate crimes and racism.

Chant directed at Patroit Prayer group: “Racist, sexist, anti-gay; take your hate and go away.” pic.twitter.com/hc7ac96nVk

— Jim Ryan (@Jimryan015) June 4, 2017

In the days leading up to the rally, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler had asked for the event to be cancelled. But despite fears of violence, no major incidents seem to have taken place. However, 14 people were arrested, and the police said officers had been assaulted.

This guy, who says he’s exercising his right to free speech, likes hockey and rugby. pic.twitter.com/9MvTbssbJi

— Jim Ryan (@Jimryan015) June 4, 2017

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.