May 21, 2021
Contact:
Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
DA Mike Schmidt announces resolution in May Day 2019 riot and assault case
PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced Ian Kramer pleaded guilty to one count of Riot, one count of Assault in the Second Degree and one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
The conviction means that Kramer admits that on May 1, 2019 he, along with five or more others, engaged in tumultuous and violent conduct and thereby intentionally or recklessly created a grave risk of causing public alarm, and that he used an asp baton to cause physical injury to another person.
The court imposed a 20-month prison sentence with credit for time already served.
Kramer will also be on five-years of formal probation. As part of the probation, Kramer must obey all laws and cannot participate in any demonstration that is lawfully declared an unlawful assembly or riot. Additionally, Kramer must not engage in riotous, disorderly, violent, or any other criminal conduct during any other lawful march, protest, demonstration or similar event.
The court could impose additional sanctions if Kramer is found in violation of the probation terms.
According to court documents, on the evening of May 1, 2019, Portland Police received information about a large disturbance occurring outside a business called “Cider Riot.” The disturbance came hours after several demonstrations and marches unfolded throughout the city. Those involved in some of the demonstrations included individuals with opposing political views.
When police responded to “Cider Riot” they observed approximately 15 individuals arguing with about 50 other individuals, according to court documents. Law enforcement knew, based on their training and experience, that the two groups had opposing views and had a history of being violent with each other.
During the investigation, detectives assigned to the Portland Police Bureau identified Joseph Gibson, Russell Schultz, Mackenzie Lewis, Kramer, Matthew Cooper and Christopher Ponte as individuals actively participating and engaging in violent and tumultuous conduct, according to court documents.
The court convicted Cooper and Ponte in January 2020 following a change of plea hearing.
The charging documents filed against Gibson, Schultz, and Lewis are only accusations. They all remain innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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