Two PSU Students Threaten Lawsuit Over Alleged Illegal Force From CPSO

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) – Two Portland State University students claim Portland State University campus public safety officers used unlawful force against them during a May 23 pro-Palestinian protest .

They are now working with civil rights attorney Michael Fuller.

“They were coming home from class on Thursday. They saw a peaceful assembly of other students. …At one point the police decided to use physical force and every one of my clients was injured, either by being pushed down or being pushed, one case being pushed into a bicycle. They both had bruises and scratches from being pushed down,” Fuller said.

A statement from Portland Police Chief Bob Day released the next day tells a different story.

He said PPB officers were on campus to assist the campus public safety office with protesters chaining themselves to gates, and that as arrests were made, “the crowd became extremely hostile and surrounded the officers as PSU officers attempted to evacuate those arrested. The crowd blocked the exit from the garage.

Day added: “Equally concerning, officers informed the group that a medical emergency was in progress. But they refused to move and officers had to fight their way through to ensure medical attention could be provided. »

According to the PSU, the person who needed medical attention was Chief Willie Halliburton. He was taken to hospital, without knowing why. About a week ago we learned he was recovering.

Attorney Michael Fuller says that's not how events unfolded.

“It was actually Chief Halliburton who pushed and used physical force against the protesters well in advance of any medical emergency,” Fuller said.

KATU asked Fuller: “We do not yet know the nature of what happened to Chief Halliburton. So how do we know he wasn't suffering from at least one medical problem during this time?

“He could have been, but he showed no signs of it in the way he pushed into the crowd, pushed people and regulated,” Fuller said.

They haven't pulled the trigger on the trial yet.

“We want to give the city a chance to do right by the student who had to pay medical bills.” We're asking for $4,500 in compensation, and for the student who suffered injuries but didn't need to seek medical attention, we're asking for $2,500,” Fuller said.