Portland Protest: Elderly Couple's Unprovoked Encounter with Federal Agents

In a quiet Portland neighborhood, an unexpected event unfolded during a peaceful protest. Laurie and Richard Eckman, both 84 years old, found themselves at the center of a tense situation. Richard, a Vietnam veteran, was pushed to the ground by federal agents while leaning on his walker. Laurie was struck by an unknown projectile. The couple had joined the protest spontaneously, drawn by its peaceful nature. The Eckmans, who live near the U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building, usually avoid protests. But this time, they saw a calm gathering and decided to participate. They held signs expressing their views: Richard's read "Vets against militarization" and Laurie's said "Will swap 1 Little King Donald for 10, 000-plus immigrants. " Their message was clear: they oppose the actions of ICE and the militarization of protests. The protest took a sharp turn when federal agents suddenly rushed out of the building. Without warning, they charged at the crowd, knocking down the Eckmans and other protesters. Laurie was hit in the head with a projectile, and several witnesses confirmed the couple's account. After the incident, Portland police officers checked on the couple, expressing concern but explaining they couldn't intervene. The Eckmans went to the emergency room, where Laurie was diagnosed with a concussion. Richard, fortunately, was not injured. The couple was shocked by the federal agents' behavior. Laurie admitted she had always believed agents acted only when provoked. This experience changed her perspective. The Eckmans want to set the record straight. They emphasize that Portland protesters are not troublemakers. "We're just regular Portlanders, " Laurie said, highlighting their love for their city and their opposition to internal conflict. The couple's experience raises questions about the use of force during protests and the treatment of peaceful demonstrators.