Man who pulled gun on crowd faces 21-count indictment

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The man who police say pulled out a gun during a protest in downtown is now facing a new 21-count indictment.

The indictment against Michael Strickland was filed Thursday afternoon in Multnomah County Circuit Court.

Strickland is expected to appear in court on Friday morning for his arraignment at the Justice Center.

Police say Strickland pulled out a gun during the July 7 protest taking place in downtown. The rally was bringing attention to deadly police shootings that had recently occurred in Baton Rouge and Minnesota.

No shots were fired.

Police were not on scene when Strickland pulled his weapon, but were quick to act. He was taken into custody shortly after pulling out his weapon. His actions were recorded and photographed by bystanders, independent media and at least two local television stations.

Police say when Strickland pulled out his gun, he pointed it at several people.

According to the indictment, Strickland is charged with 10 counts each of unlawful use of a firearm and menacing. Each count represents a different person Strickland pointed his gun at, records show. He is also charged with one count of second-degree disorderly conduct.

The indictment alleges that by pulling out his gun, Strickland caused alarm by engaging in threatening behavior.

Seventeen people testify before the grand jury, not including Strickland. He was the 18th witness before the grand jury. Grand jury proceedings are secret, but it is assumed that he claimed pulling his firearm was done in self-defense.

Strickland’s defense attorney, Jason Short, did not immediately respond to KOIN 6 News for comment.

Records show that Strickland posted 10% of his $250,000 bail on July 18 and was released from jail.

His bail was enhanced by Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Leslie G. Bottomly at his first court appearance on July 8.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reported that Strickland has been banned from Portland State and Portland Community College’s campuses. The paper reported Strickland was a recognized figure at both schools because he had filmed videos for a website called “Laughing at Liberals.”