Image copyright Reuters Anti-racism protests have been taking place in Portland, Oregon, for almost two months – but in recent days they have been joined by a growing number of “moms”.
The “Wall of Moms” – as they have been dubbed – have been acting as a human shield between the protesters and the federal officers sent in to disperse them.
Image copyright Getty Images They arrived wearing yellow, some carrying sunflowers, and chanting: “Feds stay clear. Moms are here.”
Image copyright Getty Images Some sang a lullaby: “Hands up please, don’t shoot me”.
Image copyright Getty Images Portland mum Bev Barnum put out a call for a “wall of moms” on Saturday in a Facebook post.
She told CNN she was moved to act after watching media reports of federal officers “displaying obvious human rights violations”.
Image copyright Getty Images Tensions have been rising in Portland since President Trump sent federal agents into the city to quell nightly demonstrations over the police killing of George Floyd in May.
Image copyright Getty Images President Trump says he is trying to restore order, but local officials accuse him of using it to try to boost his chances of re-election in November.
Image copyright Reuters Witnesses have reported seeing federal officers in unmarked vehicles seizing protesters from the streets and detaining them. Tear gas has also been used.
US Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf this week insisted that all agents have been wearing insignia showing they are police.
Image copyright Reuters With as many as 2,000 mums now expressing an interest in joining the movement, it does not look like the protests will be ending any time soon.
Image copyright Reuters All photos subject to copyright
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