Protests against federal agents use of violence continue across US Pacific Northwest

US: Protests have continued across the United States, though some cities are starting to see escalations as federal officers are getting more involved in the rallies, particularly in Portland, Oregon.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration vowed to protect federal property amid nationwide protests that were initially sparked by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May. For two months, high school administrator Eva Vega has come to the federal courthouse to protest nearly every night. "I took a tear gas to my ankle and knee. And I've been shot multiple times with the pepper balls. Even when I'm away from here and down the street. They shoot at us," said Vega.

She often brings her students, but does have fears that clashes could turn even uglier. "I feel like tensions have increased substantially. We're seeing now at night are, I mean, it's nothing short of a civil war," she said. A key concern is the recent arrival of 114 federal law enforcement officers to protect the courthouse, something even army veteran Mike Connors says is a destabilizing factor.

He said that there had been smaller peaceful protests going on for a while before they showed up and then things started to escalate.

As thousands assemble outside the federal courthouse, wave after wave of young people are marching through the downtown streets. "So they have to be out here marching so me, and anybody else that's Black, can be able to live. And don't have to worry about if I get pulled over for not using my turn signal, means that's the last day I'm going to live, so yeah they need to do all of this," said Kiyauna Williams, another protester. 

Having been tear gassed numerous times, Williams says she's not worried about the dangers involved. "Do I get nervous -- No. No, because I wake up with Black skin. I go to bed with Black skin. This won't come off. You know what I'm saying- So I'm fighting for my life. Fighting for his life. Fighting for every Black person's life. No, I'm not. This is life," she said.