Law enforcement's heavy hand against ILWU longshore workers on September 7, 2011 at the Port of Longview, WA. Brock Lile photo
Cowlitz County Sheriff Mark Nelson said Friday his office plans to arrest protesters involved with a raid on a grain terminal at the Port of Longview early Thursday and asked for the public’s help in identifying those who dragged a security guard from his car and drove the vehicle into a ditch.
Union officials, meanwhile, disputed some allegations against their members Friday and said they believe the union is being unfairly provoked by police.
Authorities have accused union members of throwing rocks at police and pepper-spraying officers. However, Tom Loran, vice president of the Portland-based Local 92, which is in town supporting the Local 21, said during a Port of Longview commission meeting Friday that protesters have done no such thing.
“These are all inflammatory comments by local law enforcement,” said Loran, who was at the Wednesday protest. “Our union’s civil rights are being trampled upon now. Non-violent actions have worked in the past, and they’ll work in the future.”