'It's getting really ugly': House speaker calls out Portland's nude cycling protest
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland’s nude cycling demonstration marked how the response to federal law enforcement is “getting really ugly,” according to U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson.
In a Tuesday press conference centered on the government shutdown, which has reached its 14th day, a reporter asked the congressman what would push lawmakers to require more oversight of federal agents. The question came after surveillance footage revealed an officer shooting a Chicago pastor with a pepper ball during a demonstration outside of the city’s US. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility.
In response, the house speaker said he has “not seen them cross the line yet” — although he alleged “radical leftist activists” have abused law enforcement.
“Most recently, the most threatening thing I've seen yet was the naked bicyclers in Portland who were protesting ICE down there,” Johnson added. “I mean, it's getting really ugly. They have attacked, physically assaulted officers. People have been arrested. This is serious business. and ICE and and the valiant, brave, patriotic Americans who step up to serve in these dangerous law enforcement positions deserve our respect and our support.”
An offshoot of the group that hosts the local World Naked Bike Ride first announced that organizers were planning an emergency ride in response to President Donald Trump’s plans to deploy the National Guard to Portland earlier this month.
The demonstration started at the Oregon Convention Center on Sunday, Oct. 12. And while federal agents arrested a woman as she played her clarinet outside of the ICE facility during a protest that same day, it’s unclear whether officers arrested anyone participating in the nude ride.
Instead of showing up to the ICE building fully naked or scantily clad, other protestors have opted to rally against federal enforcement while wearing a variety of inflatable animal costumes.
Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley has highlighted the participants for “demonstrating with joy and whimsy,” claiming that President Trump and his cabinet have attempted to incite violence and gain “authoritarian control” in Portland.