Protesters Disrupt Portland City Council Meeting

Security forcibly removed demonstrators who interrupted proceedings on housing funds

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A group of protesters interrupted a Portland City Council meeting on Wednesday night as the council was considering how to spend millions of dollars in unbudgeted housing funds. Some of the protesters barged directly onto the council floor during the public testimony section, leading to a tense confrontation with security who forcibly removed the demonstrators.

Why it matters

The disruption highlights the ongoing tensions in Portland around housing and homelessness issues, as the city grapples with how to allocate resources and address the needs of its residents. The incident also raises questions about the balance between public access and maintaining order at government meetings.

The details

The protesters interrupted the Portland City Council meeting during the public testimony portion, with some demonstrators making their way onto the council floor. Security personnel then forcibly removed the protesters from the chamber, leading to a tense confrontation.

  • The Portland City Council meeting took place on Wednesday night, February 19, 2026.

The players

Portland City Council

The governing body of the city of Portland, Oregon, responsible for making decisions on municipal issues including housing and homelessness.

Protesters

A group of individuals who interrupted the Portland City Council meeting to voice their concerns about housing and homelessness in the city.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to disrupt important government proceedings in Portland.”

— Mayor Ted Wheeler, Mayor of Portland (Portland Tribune)

What’s next

The Portland City Council is expected to continue its discussion on how to allocate the unbudgeted housing funds at its next scheduled meeting.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions in Portland around housing and homelessness, and the challenges the city faces in balancing public access and maintaining order at government meetings as it works to address these complex issues.