Close-Up Footage Captures Portland Mayor Suffering Effects of Teargassing During Protest

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler was seen in distress before eventually leaving the scene as US government agents teargassed him and numerous protesters as they stood outside the city’s federal courthouse on July 22.

Livestream footage from the protest, shot by local woman Carissa Desmond, includes close-up footage of the mayor engaging with protesters beside fencing in front of the courthouse.

Soon after tear gas has been released in close proximity to Wheeler, he begins coughing, takes a gulp of water, and is then led away from the scene. Comments toward the mayor in the aftermath include one man stating “that’s just a taste, Ted,” with another adding “now you know what it feels like.”

During the large-scale demonstration on Wednesday night, Wheeler was also confronted by a protester who told him: “We’re all gonna get gassed as soon as you leave.”

Police declared a riot in the early morning of July 23. Anti-police demonstrators have gathered every night for eight weeks in downtown Portland.

Oregon Live reported that Wheeler had attended the protest. His attendance attracted attention and jeers from a crowd of more than 2,000 people. Credit: Carissa Desmond via Storyful