DOJ Watchdog Group Announces Investigation into the Use of Force by the Federal Government

DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz

The Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz announced that the Office of the Inspector General would be investigating the use of force allegations involving Department of Justice law enforcement personnel in Portland, Oregon in July 2020.

According to the press release the DOJ OIG will coordinate their investigation with the Department of Homeland Security OIG.

Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz announced today that: In response to Congressional requests, complaints received by the OIG, and a referral from the U.S. Attorney in Oregon, the DOJ Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has opened an investigation into use of force allegations involving DOJ law enforcement personnel in Portland, Oregon in July 2020. The DOJ OIG will coordinate our investigation with the Department of Homeland Security OIG.

DOJ OIG Press Release. 07/23/2020.

Horowitz also announced that following requests from Members of Congress and members of the public the DOJ OIG is initiating “a review to examine the DOJ’s and its law enforcement components’ roles and responsibilities in responding to protest activity and civil unrest in Washington, DC, and in Portland, Oregon over the prior two months.”

Horowitz explained that the review will include what training and instruction that was provided to the DOJ law enforcement personnel including what were they rules of engagement.

Regarding events that took place on June 1st, 2020, in Lafayette Square, Horowitz’s says that the DOJ OIG will coordinate their review with the Department of Interior OIG who recently announced their investigation into the events taking place on June 1st, 2020.

He concludes his statement by writing, “If circumstances warrant, the OIG will consider including other issues that may arise during the course of the review.”

On Wednesday President Trump announced his intent to send federal law enforcement personnel to Chicago following weeks of increased violence.

For What It’s Worth:

June 1st, 2020, the Washington Post timeline of the events were mostly peaceful protesters were removed from Lafayette Square so President Trump could pose with a Bible.

According to Buzzfeed News protesters in Portland have reported federal officers who failed to identify themselves and wore no identifying clothing were pulling protesters off the streets without probable cause.

OPB.org first reported the use of unmarked vehicles to arrest protesters only later to release them without any federal charges.

Navy Veteran Chris David, 53 of Portland, Oregon, told KGW News, that although he’s never attended a protest before he showed up when he heard reports of the unnecessary force used by the identified federal officers. He says of the federal officers that they were “just almost like a gang with sticks.”

The government is now being sued in four separate lawsuits.

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About Tiff 2520 Articles
Member of the Free Press who is politically homeless and a political junkie.

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