Dispatch 21: Danger in Portland, and Portland in Danger

At least three times this year, law enforcement officers have been in danger of being overrun by hostile attackers in Portland. You probably did not hear this in the news. I do not know if this has hit the news.

Given sundry dynamics such as exodus of officers without sufficient replenishment, growing insurgency in some parts, with diminishing tax base, there will be no surprise to see increasing attacks on officers and gear. Even stations overrun, possibly in places nobody knew had troubles.

At least twice in Portland in recent months, government buildings could been overrun while occupied by armed officers. Did you see this in the news? Did you know this? At least one other time, officers were so outnumbered on the streets that they could have been overrun. Reinforcements did arrive.

This situation is more serious than some folks might imagine.