Oregon’s largest city is only one of many places across the country and the world where crowds have demanded justice since the death of George Floyd on May 25. Protestors in at least, from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Wilmington, North Carolina, were hit with some form of tear gas this summer. Mass demonstrations—and the “less lethal” methods of dispersing them—don’t show signs of stopping.
We’re dealing with something that could kill us. But I’m Black. It’s my duty to fight for my freedom. ,” James continues. “But I’m Black. It’s my duty to fight for my freedom. My duty to fight for my civil rights.”“Tear gas” is a catch-all term used to describe crowd-control tools that, when dispersed, cause eye pain and tearing, coughing, disorientation, and other quick-acting but typically short-lived symptoms. A study authored by medical officers in Britain wrote that people exposed to tear gas are “highly motivated to escape from the smoke.
Police bureaus in Portland, New Orleans, Oakland, Philadelphia, and other cities have defended their department’s use of tear gas."CS gas is uncomfortable, but effective at dispersing crowds,” Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovellon July 1. “We would rather not use it. We'd rather have those in the area follow the law and not engage in dangerous behavior. We provide plenty of warning and everyone there had the opportunity to leave to avoid the use of force.