A Republican state lawmaker faces charges over allegedly allowing a group of protesters into the Oregon Capitol last year.
appears to show Nearman leaving the Capitol in Salem, which was closed to the public due to the pandemic, during a one-day special session. Several protesters, who were rallying that day against the state's COVID-19 measures, can be seen entering the building and clashing with police.
Three people who gained access through that entryway were arrested, including one man who allegedly sprayed mace at officers, police said.Pro-Trump and anti-mask demonstrators hold a rally outside the Oregon State Capitol as legislators meet for an emergency session in Salem, Ore., April 30, 2021. Democratic House Speaker Tina Kotek, who revealed in January that Nearman was suspected of allowing protesters to enter the Capitol, has called for his resignation.
"Rep. Nearman put every person in the Capitol in serious danger and created fear among Capitol staff and legislators," Kotek wrote on Twitter Friday."I called on him to resign in January and renew my call in light of today's charges." Nearman said the House speaker's motivations were"about politics and not about safety" after she confirmed the investigation into the state Capitol's breach a day after the attack on the U.S. Capitol.
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Oregon state Rep. Mike Nearman charged over role in opening capitol to far-right protestersThe protesters he let into the building allegedly used bear mace on law enforcement officers, shattered glass doors and attacked journalists outside.
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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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Oregon GOP Lawmaker Faces Criminal Charges for Letting Rioters Into State CapitolState Rep. Mike Nearman was charged with official misconduct and criminal trespass for the events that took place in December.
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State-by-state data show gaps in teacher salaries, student spending: NEAA new report by the National Education Association (NEA) shows the US was making modest gains in boosting teacher pay and student spending pre-COVID-19, though state-by-state gaps remain vast. However, NEA President Becky Pringle fears the pandemic could slow momentum.
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