Multiple demonstrations are planned in Portland in the wake of a white supremacist killing two men while yelling hate speech on a light-rail train. BuzzFeed News reporter Blake Montgomery is live at the scene.
An alt-right, pro-Trump rally in downtown Portland Sunday has prompted fears of violent clashes with counter-demonstrators roughly one week after police say a white supremacist fatally stabbed two people on a light-rail train while yelling hate speech.
Jeremy Christian is in custody facing murder charges after allegedly stabbing three men on May 26 while shouting anti-Muslim comments at two women. Ricky Best, 53, and Taliesin Namkai-Meche, 23, were killed while trying to intervene. Micah David-Cole Fletcher, 21, was also stabbed but survived.
City officials fear tensions and high emotions after the stabbings, combined with fighting online, could lead to violence at the free speech rally planned by the group Patriot Prayer near City Hall.
At a recent court hearing, Christian ranted about free speech and patriotism.
"Free speech or die," he shouted. "This is America. Get out if you don't like free speech."
"You call it terrorism, I call it patriotism," he continued.
There are three counter protests planned for around the same time during the afternoon. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, who unsuccessfully appealed for free speech rally to be canceled, told the public earlier to “reject violence” at the events.
Police have also asked protesters to not bring any weapons or other items like bats and sticks.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates and follow BuzzFeed News on Twitter.
LINK: Man Yelling Hate Speech On Portland Train Kills Two Men Who Try To Intervene, Police Say
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