An entire riot squad of the Portland Police Department has reportedly resigned after a fellow officer got indicted for hitting a photographer with a baton.
On Tuesday, Officer Corey Budworth was indicted for assault after striking Teri Jacobs, who is a photographer and an activist, in the head during riots last summer.
Following the incident, Jacobs insisted that she was hit by the officer despite showing off her press card at the scene of the protest. She was not charged and was later paid a $50,000 settlement by the City of Portland.
While critics blasted the police for striking a photographer with a baton, the officers insisted that Jacobs played a part in the riot during which a government building was set on fire.
Now, after Officer Budworth was indicted, the 50-person riot squad of the city quit in a show of solidarity with their comrade.
“Unfortunately, this decorated public servant has been caught in the crossfire of agenda-driven city leaders and a politicized criminal justice system,” the statement shared by the Portland Police Association read.
While the entire riot squad has resigned effective immediately, the officers will remain employed by the Portland Police Bureau according to the department. They will, however, no longer be a part of the riot squad.
As of this writing, it is not clear how the city would respond should a major riot take place following the resignation of 50 riot squad officers.
“Under the cover of darkness, a group of 200 demonstrators, many equipped with tactical helmets, faces covered, and armed with a variety of weapons, sparked a night of violence. Multiple dumpsters were set on fire, buildings were defaced, and windows were broken,” the PPA wrote as they recalled last year’s riot during which Officer Budworth struck the photographer.
“After nearly 75 consecutive nights of violence, destruction, and mayhem, a small group of RRT (Rapid Response Team) officers—including Officer Budworth—were again tasked with dealing with the riot.
“Per PPB Command Staff orders, RRT officers cleared the rioters from the area to allow the Fire Bureau to extinguish the blaze. But the rioters were not satisfied.
“RRT was again deployed to disperse the crowd and prevent any further violence and criminal activity. A confrontation then ensued. As RRT officers worked to clear the rioting crowd, Officer Budworth was forcefully knocked to the ground. The crowd grew even more aggressive, prompting other RRT officers to deploy pepper spray and less lethal munitions to try and break up the riot.”
Focusing on the moment the photojournalist was struck, the police union added:
“Per his training and in response to the active aggression of a rioter interfering with a lawful arrest, Officer Budworth used baton pushes to move a rioter, now known to be Teri Jacobs, out of the area. As Officer Budworth cleared Ms. Jacobs from the area to stop her criminal activity, Ms. Jacobs fell to the ground.
“Reasonably believing that she was getting back up to re-engage in her unlawful activities, Officer Budworth employed one last baton push to try and keep her on the ground, which accidentally struck Ms. Jacobs in the head.”
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