Portland police, protesters take a knee in show of community solidarity

Some tense moments were broken up over the weekend as Portland police and protesters stood face-to-face, before both sides took a symbolic knee.

Portland Police Bureau Deputy Chief Chris Davis said it was a sign of community and solidarity.

“we saw people at their very worst and we saw people at their very best,” said Deputy Chief Davis.

Video captured by Ryan Ao shows officers face-to-face with a group protesting police brutality outside the Justice Center.

Everyone agreed they would take a knee together and shake hands – a sign of respect.

Deputy Chief Davis acknowledged his profession has historically caused pain in communities of color.

“Chief Jami Resch wanted me to make sure everyone knows we remain committed to the change that we need to make. As the police bureau, we remain committed to serving all Portlanders with the best possible public safety service we can,” said Deputy Chief Davis.