John –

It's no secret that tear gas is a chemical weapon banned in war.

So why is it okay to use on our own peaceful protesters?! It's not.

That's why I joined Oregon State Rep. Karin Power in calling for an immediate investigation by the United States' EPA and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality into the potential impacts these toxic chemicals have left on our public health, our wildlife, and our air and water quality.

Specifically, I want to know:

• What chemicals have been used by law enforcement on Portland's protesters?
• Were any grenades expired? If so, what does that mean for the health and safety of Portlanders? What of the health and safety of our environment?
• What environmental assessments have been done for the environment and the public regarding these chemicals?
• And what air and water quality monitoring has been done in areas of deployed grenades and what were the effects?

The chemicals in tear gas are known to cause harm, especially to one's respiratory system. In a global pandemic, health experts have noted the increased potential of contacting the coronavirus, which directly attacks the respiratory system.

Targeting peaceful protesters while they practice their First Amendment rights is a complete violation of our Constitution, John. I won't stand for it. We need answers now.

Courage,

Earl