The people who engaged in criminal destruction are an affront to our community. They are working in direct opposition to the needs of the people they say they speak for. They are criminals being played by political forces who are set on preserving the status quo or worse.

There is no excuse for the criminal destruction to 24 businesses along NE Sandy Boulevard. The Mexican Consulate and Multnomah County Courthouse were also targeted by violent groups. None of this should sit well with any thinking Portlander.

To those participating in violence, I want to be clear: I denounce your actions. Law enforcement will do everything possible to find you and hold you accountable. We all agree racial justice is past due, but I absolutely denounce the violence and criminal destruction.