PPB Helps Facilitate Safe Free Speech Gathering and March

A large-scale free speech gathering and march in Downtown Portland and Inner Southeast Portland concluded safely thanks in part to collaboration between organizers, participants, and the Portland Police Bureau.

On Monday, September 1, 2025, at approximately 12:00 p.m., a crowd estimated to be in the thousands gathered near the Battleship Oregon Memorial in Waterfront Park. About an hour later, participants began to march. A PPB Dialogue Officer was able to establish communication with the organizers, allowing for awareness of the route that included a loop utilizing the Burnside and Morrison Bridges. Officers assisted in blocking several key intersections where there were significant traffic safety concerns. At approximately 2:45 p.m., the march concluded without incident at Waterfront Park, and the crowd dispersed. No police action beyond traffic assistance was necessary.

PPB would like to thank community members and event coordinators for their communication and cooperation, which allowed for a safe event for all who attended.

More information about PPB's Dialogue Officer program can be found here.

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