Officials at the Justice Department investigated whether they could hit city leaders in Portland, Oregon, with criminal or civil rights charges as violence became a nightly occurrence in the city between protesters and law enforcement.

Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec confirmed to the Associated Press that the agency was looking for legal avenues to hold leaders such as Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and other local officials accountable for the constant protests and riots in the city. Kupec refused to comment on whether the department was still considering charges or if it had dropped the pursuit.