A Portland church’s efforts to help feed those in need was set back after a riot erupted and left the church damaged, the church said.
“I felt frustrated because even the effort of putting plywood and having to repair windows again takes funding away from the important work we do to feed the vulnerable,” lead pastor of First Christian Church, Cynthia McBride, said.
“We need to find a better way to move forward together, to resolve injustices and to do so without violence,” McBride added.
The church, which regularly serves thousands of meals every month to those in need, said it will have to cover the costs of repairs from funds that would normally go to serving the community.
The church is also reeling from coronavirus-related closures and the subsequent loss of income. It is the second time in the last year the church has endured destruction from a riot.
“Sometimes, when windows are broken in a riot, it’s not a specific statement by one individual,” the pastor said. “It’s more people who seem to be caught up in the angst of the moment.”
The riot was sparked by police-involved shootings, including a deadly shooting in Lents Park, just miles away, where Robert Douglas Delgado, 46, was shot by police officers and died.
The ensuing riot also damaged the Oregon Historical Society.
Museum Director Kerry Tymchuk said that after the facility was initially damaged during another riot in the last year, extra money was spent to reinforce the structure’s doors and windows.
“Here we are again. It is depressing on many levels,” Tymchuk said.
“We invested in windows that were impenetrable so they weren’t able to get in as they did last time and throw flares in to the building or steal things, which they did last time,” he continued, estimating the new repairs could cost several thousand dollars.
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“If history teaches us anything, it’s that vandalism and violence or not the answer,” Tymchuk said. “Talking in conversation, working together is the answer.”
Local law enforcement arrested three people in connection to the rioting and vandalism.
