HILLSBORO, Ore.- The following is a joint statement from District Attorney Kevin Barton of the Washington County District Attorney’s Office and Sheriff Pat Garrett of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office regarding the riot declared by the Tigard Police Department on Thursday, January 7, 2021:

While we respect the right to free speech and peaceful assembly afforded under the First Amendment, we will not tolerate illegal behavior demonstrated by some individuals in Tigard on Thursday night. Rioting, vandalism and property destruction are criminal acts and will be prosecuted in Washington County. We stand with the people and business owners of Tigard whose property was damaged in last night’s riot. 

As business owners continue to grapple with the economic impacts of COVID-19, they should not also be dealing with rioting, vandalism and property destruction.

The Tigard Police Department is now investigating any and all criminal acts associated with Thursday’s riot. The Washington County District Attorney’s Office will aggressively prosecute cases referred to our office by Tigard police.