Riot

A term regulated by Oregon Revised Statute 166.015:

“(1) A person commits the crime of riot if while participating with five or more other persons the person engages in tumultuous and violent conduct and thereby intentionally or recklessly creates a grave risk of causing public alarm.

(2) Riot is a Class C felony. [1971 c.743 §218]”

The concept of “riot” (as well as “unlawful assembly”) became especially relevant during the 2020 protests when Governor Kate Brown banned the use of CS gas except when a riot was declared. Protestors and media on the ground observed that riot declarations were made quickly after this policy change, enabling law enforcement to use the same tactics they did before, but under a slightly different legal frame.

References:

Oregon State Legislature. (2019). Chapter 166 — Offenses Against Public Order; Firearms and Other Weapons; Racketeering (2019 Edition). https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors166.html

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