Police in Portland last night declared a riot as Black Lives Matter protesters attacked officers, smashed windows and set fires as the city descended into chaos on the anniversary of George Floyd's death.
Rioters hurled projectiles at officers, launched fireworks and set fire to dumpsters in the Oregon city which was rocked by race riots throughout last summer.
Around 200 people, most of them dressed in black, gathered outside Portland's Multnomah County Justice Center as fires were lit, chanting: 'Burn it down.'
Some pelted frozen water bottles and eggs at police who wore heavy riot gear before marching on City Hall where they smashed windows.
A dumpster burns outside Portland's Multnomah County Justice Center after BLM rioters set it on fire last night
Rioters also targeted local businesses, smashing the windows of a Starbucks (pictured), a jewellers, a credit union and a steakhouse
Police declared an unlawful assembly at around 9.30pm last night as the protesters starting smashing windows and setting fires
A firework explodes in downtown Portland as riots take place in the city following George Floyd's memorial earlier
Rioters also targeted local businesses, smashing the windows of a Starbucks, a jewellers, a credit union and a steakhouse.
They tore down fences and threw spikes in the street which had to be cleared by the police so that firetrucks could access the area.
Some of the mob were wearing helmets and gas masks, suggesting they were prepared for violence.
As they progressed down Southwest 5th Avenue breaking windows and damaging property, the group began to disperse.
The number of people in crowd grew gradually smaller with infighting breaking out among the protesters and the lighting of an occasional trash can.
'People within the crowd were overheard saying the night was a success,' the police said.
Five people were arrested and booked into jail on various charges including criminal mischief, arson and riot.
An unlawful assembly had been declared at around 9.30pm following a day of sombre marches in honor of George Floyd, who was murdered by a white police officer a year ago in Minneapolis.
'Warnings have been given to the individuals that if they do so, they are subject to arrest and use of force. This is now an unlawful assembly,' police said in a tweet.
The rioters smashed windows of City Hall and local businesses during their march
Protesters gather in downtown Portland last night to riot
They later added: 'Dumpster Fire at the Justice Center near SW 3rd and Main set by people in the crowd.'
A separate peaceful demonstration had earlier taken place on the Burnside Bridge leading to southeast Portland's Revolution Hall.
Tuesday was the anniversary of Floyd's death after a white police officer knelt on his neck for ten minutes. The video sparked a global protest movement.
Derek Chauvin, the white officer in the video, was found guilty of murder last month.
President Joe Biden hosted the Floyd family at the White House yesterday to discuss police reform.
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