The protesters he let into the building allegedly used bear mace on law enforcement officers, shattered glass doors and attacked journalists outside.
After entering the building, demonstrators fought with state troopers and Salem police. One man allegedly sprayed officers with bear mace. Others shattered glass doors and attacked journalists outside. Meanwhile, Nearman walked around the building and entered on the opposite side, OPB reported.Nearman is also facing possible repercussions from his Democratic House colleagues.
On Friday, Republican Oregon state Representative Mike Nearman had legal charges filed against him allowing far-right protesters to enter the state Capitol on Monday, December 21, 2020. In this photo, members of the Proud Boys, a gang that supports President Trump, hold a rally on September 26, 2020 in Delta Park on the edge of Portland, Oregon.In January, the legislative chamber stripped Nearman of his committee responsibilities.
The lawmaker was also fined $2,000 for the damage demonstrators caused inside the building. Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek, a Democrat, called on Nearman to resign. "His actions have created immense fear among legislators and Capitol staff," Kotek said in a statement."I believe he should resign immediately because he has already breached the public trust and endangered our ability to safely conduct the people's business."
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GOP lawmaker charged for letting far-right rioters into Oregon State CapitolAn Oregon Republican state lawmaker faces charges after allegedly allowing dozens of far-right protesters to breach the State Capitol in Salem last December, court records show.Driving the news: Rep. Mike Nearman faces charges of official misconduct in the first degree and criminal trespass in the second degree, both misdemeanors, following an investigation by state police that began after the Dec. 21 breach.Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for freeProsecutors allege that 'being a public servant,' the 57-year-old 'did unlawfully and knowingly perform an act which constituted an unauthorized exercise of his official duties, with intent to obtain a benefit or to harm another' while the legislature was in session.Zoom in: Video footage appears to show Nearman opening two doors, enabling entrance to the Capitol for the rioters — many not wearing masks and waving flags supporting former President Trump,.'More than 30 people made it into the vestibule and about 150 protesters were gathered right outside the door,' the New York Times reports. Law enforcement arrested at least five people following the incident, AP notes.Of note: Democratic lawmakers filed a formal complaint in January, accusing Nearman of endangering them and others present, knowing that 'only authorized personnel are allowed in the building due to the COVID-19 pandemic,' according to Oregon Public Broadcasting.Several Democrats have called for Nearman to resign following Friday's announcement of charges.State Rep. Rachel Prusak (D) said in a Twitter post Saturday that Nearman had 'acted as part of a coordinated effort to allow enemies of democracy into the building; literally opening the door to sedition.'The other side: Nearman has yet to respond to requests for comment following the charges, but he said last January that he does not 'condone violence, nor do I participate in it,' per the Salem Statesman Journal. 'I hope for due process, and not
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