Portland officials send federal government cease-and-desist letter calling for removal of courthouse fencing
Portland authorities are calling on the government to remove
fencing around a federal courthouse amid ongoing
protests or face legal action, according to a recently published official letter.
The “illegally” installed concrete and metal barriers “are both unpermitted and represent a hazard to the traveling public,” said a letter sent with a cease-and-desist order to a federal official Thursday. Among other things, they block a bike lane, according to the
document, published online by
Willamette Week.
“Unidentified agents of the federal government have placed unpermitted fencing and jersey barriers in the city’s right-of-way outside of the Hatfield Federal Courthouse,” the letter states. “The fencing and barriers in the right-of-way create a hazard for Portlanders by blocking the bike lane on SW Main, which is the premiere bike facility into downtown Portland.”
Failure to remove the fencing would violate city code and administrative rules, “and will be subject to fines and potential legal action,” said the letter.
A spokesperson for the U.S. General Services Administration, which received the letter from Portland's transportation head and its chief deputy city attorney, did not immediately respond to Fox News’ request seeking comment.
The fencing was erected Wednesday to protect the courthouse in downtown Portland, according to Willamette Week. But it has since become a focus of protesters' attention after nearly two months of demonstrations, which at times have devolved into riots.
Since its installment, demonstrators have attempted to tear it down, throwing fireworks over the perimeter. In at least one instance, they lit a large fire between the barrier and the courthouse, according to social media and reports.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/portland-oregon-protests-fencing-courthouse