An ‘Autonomous Zone’ set up by protestors in Portland didn’t even last as long as the lifespan of a gnat.
KOIN-TV reports the ‘zone’ formed just before midnight on Wednesday but was gone by Thursday morning.
Around midnight, the group started dragging items such as dumpsters, recycling bins, picnic tables and pallets into the street to create a barrier. Speakers declared the area an 'autonomous zone.'
PPB is declaring a civil disturbance and unlawful assembly from NW 11th east to NW Park Ave and NW Irving south to NW Everett St. If you do not live inside a dwelling in this area, leave immediately to the west. If you do not leave you are subject to arrest or use of force.
— Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) June 18, 2020
KATU-TV reports that the Pacific Northwest Youth Liberation Front posted on Instagram that the short lived area was named the Patrick Kimmons Autonomous Zone, after a man that was shot by police officers in 2018.
Demonstrators established an autonomous zone outside what they believe is Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler's apartment Thursday morning, but Portland police officers moved in quickly and tore down the barrier.
Portland police declared the gathering a civil disturbance at around 5:30 a.m. Officers entered the area soon after to take down tents and remove the blockade.
Portland Police report one arrest was made and that clean-up for the area has been coordinated.