

The Showdown in Portland
Jul 23, 2020
Zolan Kanno-Youngs, a Homeland security correspondent for The New York Times, and Mike Baker, the Pacific Northwest correspondent, dive into the escalating tensions in Portland. They discuss the chaotic federal response to protests, including the deployment of militarized agents and the community's outcry over heavy-handed tactics. The conversation reveals how local leaders feel overwhelmed by federal intervention, and the unique protest methods employed, like using pool noodles, provide a glimpse into the creativity of grassroots resistance amid turmoil.
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DHS Response to Officer Shooting
- Following a fatal shooting of a federal officer in Oakland, DHS officials held a press conference.
- They declared a commitment to addressing threats against federal property, labeling them as domestic terrorism.
DHS's Shift in Focus
- The shift in DHS focus from foreign threats to domestic protests is significant.
- This change reflects a new internal security focus after 9/11.
Federal Presence in Washington
- Despite controversy, federal officials believed their actions in Washington were effective.
- They claimed their presence calmed the unrest after about a week.