Portland rejects permit for a Proud Boys alt-right rally citing coronavirus concerns as expected crowd of 10,000 is too large for social distancing

Portland denied a permit for a rally on Saturday planned by the alt-right group the Proud Boys. Officials say the estimated crowd size of 10,000 is too large to safely practice social distancing. The Proud Boys, deemed a hate group, described their rally as a march to ‘end domestic terrorism’. Left-wing groups are planning at least two events to oppose the Proud Boys, including one in the same park where the right-wing group plans to meet. Oregon State Police and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office say they will not help with crowd control due to the Portland mayor’s ban on tear gas. The city of Portland has denied a permit for a Saturday rally planned by the right-wing group the Proud Boys, citing the coronavirus pandemic. Officials found the group’s estimated crowd size of 10,000 people was too big under COVID-19 safety measures, according to a statement released on Wednesday by the Portland Parks & Recreation Bureau. The bureau said it had consulted with Mayor Ted Wheeler, who is also the police commissioner, and decided that those attending would not be able to comply with social distancing rules because of the large number of people.

via dailymail: Portland rejects permit for a Proud Boys alt-right rally citing coronavirus concerns as expected crowd of 10,000 is too large for social distancing