After Proud Boy Conviction, Western States Center Pushes for Comprehensive Pro-Democracy Efforts
Today self-described Proud Boy Alan Swinney was convicted of eleven counts, including unlawful use of a weapon and attempted assault, stemming from his participation in violent clashes in downtown Portland during the summer of 2020…
Western States Center Responds to Trump-Fueled Protest Violence in DC
The current scene at the Capitol is a fitting end to the Trump era. This president has relentlessly fueled conspiracy theories and repeatedly spurred his supporters—including white nationalists and militia members—to violence…
More than 30 community partners join Western States Center in calling on public officials to keep Portland safe from hate.
The Proud Boys issued a national call to members to rally in Portland in hopes of setting up a violent clash with the community and establishing themselves as the feared foot soldiers of an ascendant far right. Instead, a couple hundred or so Proud Boys gathered in a park and had way too much to drink…
Western States Center Statement on Far-Right Rumors and Vigilantes
Armed vigilantes in Oregon are adding real danger to an already devastating wildfire crisis, in pursuit of an imagined threat…
Western States Center Responds to Portland Violence
There is no excuse for the tragedy that played out on Portland streets last weekend. We grieve for the life lost and categorically reject political violence, whatever its source…
Far-Right Violence Meets Lax Law Enforcement in Portland
A year ago, the city of Portland showed far-right extremists the door. City leaders locked arms with community leaders, local businesses and everyday citizens to come together and reject hate…
Western States Center Calls for Resignation of Portland Police Association President Daryl Turner
Federal troops have been pulled off Portland, Ore. streets, but the community continues to grapple with the Portland Police Bureau’s use of excessive force against racial justice protesters…
Western States Center Responds to Agreement for Federal Officers to Leave Portland
We are relieved that Gov. Brown has reached an agreement for federal officers to withdraw from Portland. They never should have been here in the first place…
Trump Distracts from Portland Failure with Push into Additional Cities
President Trump went to war with the wrong city. He pulled federal agents away from their jobs and ordered them to violently crack down on free expression in Portland…
Western States Center Files Suit to Keep Trump’s Armed Agents Off Portland Streets
President Trump made a big mistake when he tried to make an example of Portland. He pulled federal agents away from their actual jobs to use them as shock troops in our community…
Western States Center Responds to Trump’s Misuse of Federal Agents in Portland
President Trump’s re-election campaign reached Portland this week in the form of heavily-armed federal agents. Sent against the wishes of state and local officials, the federal agents were tasked with aggressively cracking down on local protesters…
Groups Call on Elected Officials to Reject Anti-Democratic Gatherings in Idaho and Montana
On June 13, a broad array of anti-democratic groups will gather from across the Northwest in Kootenai County, Idaho to hear speeches from leaders in the anti-government, alt-right and paramilitary movements…
Western States Center Statement on Matt Shea
Western States Center welcomes today’s news that Matt Shea will not run for re-election…
Western States Center Responds to Boise Protest against Public Health Rules
Today’s protest in Boise is a continuation of a series of reckless events promoting fringe and extremist groups at the expense of public health…
Western States Center Responds to Ammon Bundy Protest at Home of Idaho Police Officer
Ammon Bundy’s protest at the home of an Idaho police officer marks a dangerous escalation by anti-quarantine activists…
Western States Center Responds to President Trump on COVID-19 Protests
President Trump is pouring gasoline on the flames of hate and resentment…
Western States Center Responds to Jeremy Christian Verdict
In response to the guilty verdict in the Jeremy Christian trial, Lindsay Schubiner, program director for the Portland-based Western States Center, released the following statement…
Shea Must Be Removed from Office for Promoting Political Violence
The inquiry into Rep. Matt Shea’s conduct displays an obsession with conspiracy theories and violence that is incompatible with public office…
Groups Respond to Nazi Flag Display in Caldwell, Idaho
On Tuesday, three people were killed in a targeted attack on a kosher market in New Jersey…
Full Shea Report Must Be Made Public in Timely Manner
The results of an inquiry into Rep. Matt Shea’s conduct has reportedly been delivered today to the Executive Committee of the Washington House of Representatives…