Orchestrated Attack on Multnomah County Elections Building: Vandalism and Anti-Government Graffiti

In a shocking incident that sent ripples through the Portland community, the Multnomah County Elections building was targeted in what Portland Police Chief Bob Day described as an "orchestrated attack." A group of masked individuals caused significant damage to the building, smashing dozens of windows and covering the exterior with anti-government graffiti. This brazen act of vandalism occurred just before 2 a.m. on Monday, and the perpetrators swiftly escaped before police arrived. This wasn't just vandalism, this was a coordinated assault, a full-scale attack against democratic process.

The Attack: Speed, Coordination, and Anti-Government Sentiment

The attack itself was remarkably swift and efficient, suggesting a pre-planned operation. Approximately eight to ten individuals were involved, executing their actions in a mere two minutes. Security footage shows individuals in gray hoodies and face masks, armed with spray paint and heavy objects. They smashed windows, spray-painted anti-establishment and anti-government messages and vanished into the night. This coordinated and calculated attack clearly demonstrated an intent to cause significant damage and to send a deliberate message of protest.

Police Investigation and Surveillance Video

Portland Police are diligently investigating the incident, analyzing surveillance video which has proved crucial in the ongoing investigation. Police urge anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward. This attack is more than an act of vandalism. The fact that the individuals involved escaped so quickly shows that this act was orchestrated, highly sophisticated. This case demonstrates that anti-government sentiment runs deep within certain segments of the community. What we're observing here, friends, is not just an attack against democracy; this attack signals the unraveling of democracy in action.

The Aftermath and Community Response

In the immediate aftermath, the damaged windows were quickly boarded up. Despite the attack, the Elections Office remained open for business as usual on Tuesday. However, this incident underscores the potential vulnerabilities of election infrastructure and the importance of robust security measures. The audacity of this action sends chills down my spine. Our elections offices shouldn't be vulnerable. This is our process! A complete disregard for the democratic system.

This incident was completely unprecedented. In Tim Scott's 17 years at Multnomah County, nothing like this had ever happened before. Contractors are working diligently to replace the damaged windows by next week, while Multnomah County's security team collaborates closely with Portland Police on a comprehensive investigation.

Previous Attacks on Ballot Boxes and the Broader Context

Sadly, this isn't an isolated incident. Portland authorities are still investigating an October attack on a ballot box where an incendiary device destroyed ballots shortly before Election Day. Similar attacks have taken place, most notably, in Vancouver, Washington where multiple ballot boxes were set ablaze. The incendiary devices were manufactured using thermite, highlighting the potentially dangerous and deeply unsettling determination of these perpetrators.

Take Away Points

• The attack on the Multnomah County Elections Building is a disturbing display of anti-government sentiment.
• The swift and coordinated nature of the incident points to a premeditated assault, emphasizing the importance of election infrastructure security.
• Ongoing investigations are crucial to identifying and prosecuting those responsible.
• The incident also emphasizes the wider issue of attacks targeting democratic processes, including prior ballot box incidents in Portland and Vancouver, which were equally concerning acts that need to be thoroughly investigated.