Councilwoman Loretta Smith, Dec. 2, 2025 in Portland, Ore.
Saskia Hatvany / OPB
Portland City Councilor Loretta Smith has rescinded a proposal that would have allowed city councilors to openly carry a firearm while conducting city business.
After protesters interrupted a Wednesday evening council meeting, Smith told OPB she had drafted a plan to let councilors carry guns. She said the protesters’ actions had made her feel unsafe.
People can carry a concealed gun in most public buildings if they have a license to do so. But Smith said it was important that councilors would be allowed to openly carry firearms, which is illegal in City Hall.
“It’s a defensive mechanism,” Smith told OPB Thursday. “If people know that you’re a serious person and you’re going to protect yourself they’re not going to be as quick to mess with you.”
The proposal was met with swift critique from protesters and fellow city councilors.
“We should have fewer guns at government buildings, not more,” wrote Councilor Sameer Kanal in a Bluesky post.
Councilor Mitch Green called the proposal “ridiculous” on his Bluesky page.
According to Smith’s office, Smith withdrew the proposal Friday.
“To be clear, I denounce violence,” Smith said in a statement. “I want to emphasize that violence is not the first and only solution to solving matters.”
Smith said she wanted to focus instead on improving City Hall’s safety protocols.
