Arrests as police clear 2 Portland parks of demonstrators

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Police made multiple arrests as protesters were cleared from two downtown Portland, Oregon, parks early Thursday morning.

KOIN reports that early Thursday police ordered people to leave Chapman Square and Lownsdale Square parks. Demonstrators had been occupying the park and authorities said they were closed until further notice.

Nearly two months of nightly protests in Oregon's largest city following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis have often devolved into violent clashes with police.

Small groups of protesters have set fires, launched fireworks and sprayed graffiti on public buildings, including police precincts and the federal courthouse.