In particular, Inspector General Michael Horowitz intends to examine compliance with the “identification requirements” and DOJ policy on the use of means of restraint and chemicals.
U.S. Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz is launching an investigation into the alleged use of force by federal law enforcement agencies against protesters in the U.S. capital in June, as well as the recent crackdown on riots in Portland, Oregon. This was reported in a press release issued on Thursday on the Inspector General’s website.
“The Office of the Inspector General opened an investigation in connection with allegations of the use of force by law enforcement officials <…> in Portland, Oregon, in July 2020,” it was reported. The investigation activities will be held in coordination with the Inspector General of the Ministry of Internal Security.
In addition, Horowitz intends to “review the role and responsibilities of the DOJ and its law enforcement agencies in responding to protests and civil unrest in Washington and Portland during the previous two months. Specifically, the inspector general intends to examine what training has been provided to DOJ-subordinate law enforcement agencies, their compliance with “identification requirements,” as well as DOJ policies regarding the use of restraints and chemicals.
Last week, armed federal security officials were involved in dispersing rioters in Portland. Representatives of the Democratic Party criticized the U.S. administration in this regard. U.S. President Donald Trump (Republican) has previously repeatedly stated that Democrat governors and mayors are not taking decisive action against crime.
Mass protests and riots swept through U.S. cities in late May and early June after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Police used a suffocating seizure to arrest him. All four police officers involved in the operation were dismissed and charged. The US National Guard joined local law enforcement agencies, and curfews were imposed in about 40 cities, including Washington and New York.