The Timbers Army No Pity Van was damaged by Portland Police (PPB) in the early morning of August 13th. Ever-present in calling for social justice and police reform, the Timbers Army has played an important role in supporting the community in the nightly protests through its association with Portland United Against Hate (PUAH). Additionally, the No Pity Van has provided medical supplies for street medics, and PPE and water to anyone in need.
The Timbers Army stated they were complying with police in leaving the area as instructed, but PPB proceeded to slash all four tires, anyway. This is the second incident of property damage done to the No Pity Van during the nightly protests. A federal officer fired a munition at the van’s windshield back on July 25th, destroying the windshield in the process. The van was trying to leave the area, as instructed by federal officers.
The rationale behind federal and local police’s destruction of property seems to be the van would become a hazard to both sides (officers and protesters) in the event the van was to get in between the two groups. However, the action of deflating a vehicle’s tires seems to be an inconsistent practice when vehicles are present at protests.
Despite the destruction, the Timbers Army made repairs on the van and will push on as the protests surpass 2+ months of nightly protests.
