Former Cider Riot Owner Wins Lawsuit Against Patriot Prayer Members

Abram Goldman-Armstrong awarded over $760,000 in damages from 2019 attack on his Portland cidery

Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:23pm

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The former owner of a Portland cidery, Abram Goldman-Armstrong, has won a civil lawsuit against four members of the right-wing group Patriot Prayer for a May 2019 attack on his establishment, Cider Riot. Goldman-Armstrong was awarded over $760,000 in damages after a three-day civil jury trial.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between left-wing and right-wing groups in Portland, as well as the legal recourse available to business owners who are targeted by extremist groups. The verdict sends a message that such attacks on community establishments will not be tolerated.

The details

In May 2019, members of Patriot Prayer showed up outside Cider Riot, which was hosting a May Day celebration, and began "harassing and menacing patrons," throwing objects, and using pepper spray before the encounter escalated into an all-out brawl. Ian Kramer, a frequent Patriot Prayer rally attendee, allegedly used a baton to seriously injure a Cider Riot patron, causing a vertebrae fracture.

  • The attack on Cider Riot occurred on May 1, 2019.
  • The three-day civil jury trial began on January 28, 2026.
  • The jury reached its verdict on January 30, 2026.

The players

Abram Goldman-Armstrong

The former owner of Cider Riot, a Portland cidery that closed in 2019 after the attack by Patriot Prayer members.

Ian Kramer

A frequent attendee of Patriot Prayer rallies who allegedly used a baton to seriously injure a Cider Riot patron during the 2019 attack.

Mackenzie Lewis, Christopher Ponte, and David Willis

Three other Patriot Prayer members named in the lawsuit alongside Ian Kramer.

Joey Gibson

The leader of Patriot Prayer, who was originally named in the lawsuit but was later dropped from the case.

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What they’re saying

“It feels great to be vindicated by the jury. It took a long time, but the community rallied around us and showed these far-right extremists that they cannot attack Portland and get away with it. This jury stood up for our values as a community.”

— Abram Goldman-Armstrong

“Even though the justice system moves slowly, we will always stay the course. The defendants' actions and tactics of terror mirror so much of what we see now from our federal government. Our community represented by these jurors can and will protect us.”

— Abram Goldman-Armstrong's attorneys, Adam Wolfe, Juan Chavez, and Nate Haberman

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Ian Kramer, Mackenzie Lewis, Christopher Ponte, and David Willis to be released on bail pending any appeals.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing struggle between left-wing and right-wing groups in Portland, and the legal recourse available to businesses and community members targeted by extremist organizations. The substantial damages awarded to the former Cider Riot owner send a strong message that such attacks will not be tolerated.