A total of 12 individuals were arrested on Thursday as law enforcement authorities conducted an operation to clear a library at Portland State University, according to Portland Police Bureau Sgt. Kevin Allen. Out of the 12 arrested, only four were identified as students of the university, with the remaining individuals not having any apparent affiliation with the school, as stated by the sergeant.
The police officers initiated their operation at approximately 6 a.m., methodically progressing from the top floor to the bottom of the library, ensuring a thorough clearance of the premises, Allen explained during a press briefing. Throughout the process, officers encountered obstacles that impeded their progress, leading to a cautious and deliberate approach. The clearance operation lasted for a few hours due to these hindrances.
Notably, breaching the bottom floor presented the most significant challenge for the officers. Upon successfully gaining access to this area, a group of individuals fled from the library, Allen reported. Additionally, a group of protesters obstructed a custody van from leaving the scene at one point.
During the operation, there were reported instances of confrontations and use of force. Two officers sustained minor injuries, with one officer reportedly being sprayed with a fire extinguisher and another allegedly struck with a shield, according to the sergeant.
