Portland Mayor Urges US Officials to Shut Down ‘Alt-Right’ Rallies

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler

The mayor of Portland, Ore., urged federal officials and organizers to shut down “alt-right” Trump rallies planned for the upcoming weekend after two men were stabbed to death while coming to the aide of two women during an anti-Muslim tirade.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said Monday that the “alt-right demonstrations” would only fuel hatred and fear during a time of tragedy.

“There is never a place for bigotry or hatred in our community, and especially not now,” Wheeler said in a three-part note posted on Twitter.

The mayor assured that the city did not issue permits for the “Trump Free Speech Rally” and other similar events scheduled for this Sunday and June 10. U.S. officials already issued a permit for the Sunday rally.

“Our city is in mourning, our community’s anger is real, and the timing and subject of these events can only exacerbate an already difficult situation,” Wheeler said, adding that the permits should be revoked.

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The Facebook page for Sunday’s event stated there would be speakers and live music in “one of the most liberal areas on the West Coast,” adding that it will be “an uplifting experience to bring back strength and courage to those who believe in freedom.”

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