July 24, 2020 10:35 a.m.

18 people have been arrested and are facing federal charges for their roles in recent weeknight protests at the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse in Portland.

U.S. Attorney Billy Williams made the announcement.

A release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon said according to court documents, since May 26th protests in downtown Portland have been followed by nightly criminal activity including assaults on law enforcement officers, destruction of property, looting, arson and vandalism. The release said the Hatfield Federal Courthouse has been a nightly target of vandalism during evening protests and riots, sustaining extensive damage.

Williams said U.S. Marshals Service Deputies and officers from the Federal Protective Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection working to protect the courthouse have been subjected to nightly threats and assaults from demonstrators while performing their duties.

The release said five people have been charged for alleged criminal conduct during a protest beginning July 20th. Seven people have been charged in connection with a protest began July 21st. Six people have been charged in connection with a protest that started on July 22nd.

All 18 people have made their first appearances in federal court and were ordered released pending jury trials or other follow-up court proceedings.

Williams said the cases are being jointly investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Federal Protective Service.