A 19-year-old protester was cited after a chaotic street-blocking demonstration in downtown Eugene left both the protester and a driver hospitalized, authorities said.
The incident occurred Saturday evening near Sixth Avenue and Pearl Street when demonstrators blocked traffic. According to police, a protester jumped onto an idling vehicle. The car then drove away with the protester on it before the individual fell off. Both the protester and the driver — who reportedly suffered facial injuries — were taken to a hospital.
The protester was cited for second-degree criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. The driver’s condition has not been publicly updated.
The Eugene Police Department said the investigation is ongoing.
Veterans for Peace Reaction
Frank Harper of Veterans for Peace criticized the tactic of blocking streets, saying it risks injury and could escalate tensions.
“They’re just inviting somebody to get hurt,” Harper said, expressing concern that such actions could draw a forceful response from federal authorities.
Harper, a Vietnam War veteran, said he supports peaceful advocacy for immigrants and opposition to war but questioned whether blocking traffic advances those goals.
The protest was described as opposing a joint U.S. and Israeli military operation. Further details about potential additional charges or citations have not been released.
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