Oregon State Capitol breach

Oregon State Capitol breach
Part of COVID-19 anti-lockdown protests in the United States
DateDecember 21, 2020
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.[1] (UTC-7)
Location
Oregon State Capitol, Salem, Oregon, U.S.

44°56′18″N 123°01′49″W / 44.938466°N 123.030374°W / 44.938466; -123.030374
Caused byOpposition to COVID-19 mitigation measures
Casualties
Death(s)0
Injuries4+
ArrestedFour arrested at scene[1]
ChargedMike Nearman

On December 21, 2020, a group of protesters demonstrated at the Oregon State Capitol against health restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Oregon.[2] A security video released in January 2021 showed Representative Mike Nearman allowing armed protesters to enter through a side door, after which Nearman circled the building and entered from the other side. The Oregon House of Representatives voted 59–1 to expel him for his actions.[3] He later pled guilty to first-degree official misconduct.[4]

The protesters included members of the Proud Boys, Patriot Prayer, and supporters of QAnon.[1][5] One person maced police officers, while others vandalized the building and another assaulted two journalists.[6] At least three of the protesters present at the Oregon State Capitol later participated in the January 6 United States Capitol attack.[7]

  1. ^ a b c Withycombe, Claire; Barreda, Virginia (December 22, 2020). "4 arrests made after protesters attempt to enter Oregon State Capitol during session". Statesman Journal. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  2. ^ "Republican who let violent protesters into Oregon state capitol is charged". The Guardian. Associated Press. May 1, 2021. Archived from the original on August 13, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
  3. ^ Borrud, Hillary (June 10, 2021). "Oregon Rep. Mike Nearman expelled from Legislature in historic 59-1 rebuke". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on August 13, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
  4. ^ VanderHart, Dirk (July 27, 2021). "Former Rep. Mike Nearman pleads guilty to official misconduct in Oregon Capitol incursion". Oregon Public Broadcasting. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  5. ^ "Lawmakers remove state legislator over Oregon Capitol breach". NBC News. Associated Press. June 11, 2021. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  6. ^ VanderHart, Dirk; Wilson, Conrad (May 3, 2021). "Oregon lawmaker who opened state Capitol to far-right protesters faces criminal charges". Oregon Public Broadcasting. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  7. ^ Olmos, Sergio; Wilson, Conrad (January 10, 2021). "At least 3 men from Oregon protest appear to have joined insurrection at U.S. Capitol". Oregon Public Broadcasting. Retrieved January 11, 2023.