Vandals went on an anti-Thanksgiving and anti-colonial crime spree in several US states, smashing and defacing storefronts and toppling a war memorial overnight Thursday.
At least 10 businesses in Portland, including a Chase Bank and the New Seasons Market along Hawthorne Boulevard, had their windows broken and messages like “Pequot Massacre,” “Land back,” “1637” and “F–k thxgiving” spray-painted along their walls, according to local reports.
The LandBack movement is an Indigenous movement against white supremacy, USA Today reported. The Pequot Massacre refers to the May, 26, 1637 slaughter on the Pequot tribe by Connecticut colonists that left 500 adults and children dead on the banks of the Mystic River.
Protest organizers said Thanksgiving represents colonization, capitalism and gentrification, Oregon Live reported. Demonstrators also toppled the Soldiers Monument in the city, a 1903 statue created to honor soldiers of the Civil, Spanish-American, Mexican and Indian wars, the outlet said.
Three people were arrested — each on 10 counts of criminal mischief, Portland police said. The damage is estimated to be several thousand dollars.
Sources: NY Post; Image: 247 News
