An online fundraiser to cover bail and other legal expenses for demonstrators arrested in Portland during protests against the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis has raised over $500,000 as of Wednesday.
The fundraiser was organized by the Portland General Defense Committee, a 103-year-old group started to defend workers facing legal attacks for their political beliefs by providing legal aid, according to its website. Today, the organization has broadened its focus to community organizing and direct action.
Group leaders set up the fundraiser as protests emerged across the country and in Portland, said Amelia Cates, an elected officer and volunteer for the organization and organizer of the fundraiser.
“We realized that there was probably going to be a need for financial resources, both for people who are being arrested and people who are going through the legal process, which can be really expensive,” Cates said.
The organization has bailed out eight protesters so far, which has cost about $8,000, she said.
Police reports show at least 86 protesters have been arrested since Friday. About three-fourths have been released on their own recognizance and do not have bail, Cates said.
More than half are accused of interfering with a police officer, a misdemeanor, according to police statements and court documents.
The other most frequent charges — cited by police or listed in court records — are curfew violations, felony riot and felony burglary. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler on Tuesday morning ended the 8 p.m. curfew that had been in effect for several nights.
The organization plans to bail out all arrested demonstrators except those believed to be part of a known white supremacist, neo-Nazi or alt-right organization.
“We follow the principle that people are innocent until proven guilty,” Cates said. “We’re not going to judge what people are charged with by exercising their First Amendment rights.”
She said the committee will prioritize bailing out those who are most affected — people of color, those who are immunocompromised, identify as transgender or have a marginalized identity.
Funds raised through the organization will be distributed directly to protesters facing legal action. The money will pay for bail, legal fees and fines, lawyers, discovery, investigations, personal material support or any other financial needs that arise during the legal process, according to the fundraiser’s description on gofundme.com.
“It’s important for people to know that when the protest ends, the legal process doesn’t end,” Cates said. “There are people who are getting arrested now, and there will be people who will be arrested days and months after the protests. The legal process is an ongoing affair; it continues long after the protests end.”
Cates said excess funds will be directed to Black-led organizations in Portland and bail funds for protesters in other U.S. cities.
-- Celina Tebor
ctebor@oregonian.com
@CelinaTebor