A conservative journalist who was arrested during a chaotic protest outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland is now off the hook — after prosecutors dropped all charges.
Nick Sortor, a well-known conservative reporter, was taken into custody Thursday and charged with second-degree disorderly conduct following what he said was a confrontation with Antifa-linked individuals. Video of the arrest quickly went viral, sparking outrage among free speech advocates who accused Portland officials of politically motivated policing.
But on Monday, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office announced it would not pursue charges against Sortor, citing a lack of evidence. “After a careful review of the investigation, including reports and video, we do not believe the crime of Disorderly Conduct can be proven against Mr. Sortor beyond a reasonable doubt,” the office said in a statement.
While two other individuals arrested during the same protest were formally charged, Sortor’s record was cleared. Portland Police Chief Bob Day supported the DA’s review, saying, “Our enforcement actions are guided solely by law and probable cause, not by politics or personal characteristics.”
Sortor called the decision a “victory” and promised this is “only the beginning,” hinting at possible legal action.
