US official visits Portland, calls protesters 'anarchists'

he of Department of Homeland Security visited Portland, Oregon, on Thursday, just hours after issuing a scathing statement that called protesters who have taken to streets every night for nearly two months “violent anarchists" and a "violent mob” that have kept liberal rthwest city under siege.

Acting Secretary Ch Wolf, whose visit was met with anger from local officials, said state and city authorities are to blame for t putting an end to 47 days of protests in Portland that have increasingly targeted federal courthouse.

protests in Oregon’s largest city following police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis have often devolved into violent clashes between smaller groups and police. unrest has caused deep divisions in a city that prides itself on its activism and progressive reputation.

“Each night, lawless anarchists destroy and desecrate property, including federal courthouse, and attack brave law enforcement officers protecting it,” Wolf wrote.

"Inste of dressing violent criminals in ir communities, local and state leers are inste focusing on placing blame on law enforcement and requesting fewer officers in ir community. This failed response has only emboldened violent mob as it escalates violence day after day,” his statement said.

Federal officers recently sent to Portland by President Donald Trump have escalated tensions in past two weeks, particularly after an officer with U.S. Marshals Service fired a less-lethal round at a protester’s he on July 11, critically injuring him.

Mayor Ted Wheeler and or local officials have said y didn't ask for help from federal law enforcement and have asked m to leave.

“A number of people have asked if I kw DHS leership is in town, and if I’m going to meet with m. We’re aware that y’re here. We wish y weren’t. We haven’t been invited to meet with m, and if we were, we would decline," Wheeler tweeted Thursday.

Democratic Gov. Kate Brown called Wolf’s visit “political ater from President Trump” and said he “is looking for a confrontation in Oregon in hopes of winning political points in Ohio or Iowa."

state's four Democratic federal lawmakers also sent a letter this week to Wolf and U.S. Attorney General William Barr to oppose federal deployment in Portland.

Demonstrators have set fires, launched fireworks and sprayed graffiti on public buildings, including police precincts and U.S. courthouse. Federal and local authorities have responded with tear gas and dozens of arrests.

A temporary federal court order banned Portland police from using tear gas unless a riot was declared after officers fired it multiple times to dispel crowds. Federal nts have used tear gas at least twice since ir arrival over Fourth of July weekend, prompting concerns that y are being used to circumvent court order.

Before Wolf arrived, Portland police arrested nine people early Thursday as y cleared protesters from two parks near courthouse. It wasn’t immediately clear if parks were cleared because of visit.