Eyes on the Rose City: Frontline Chronicles from Portland's 2020 Riots

Behind the headlines in a city under pressure . . . In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, a city known for protests erupts into nightly demonstrations. What begins in Portland as a call for justice is soon marred by arson and vandalism, then swells into a storm of assaults, clashing protests, Molotov cocktails, and the crack of live gunfire. Statues topple, buildings are scorched, and tear gas billows as Portland becomes a national symbol of both righteous anger and violent unrest.Part frontline chronicle, part insider account, Eyes on the Rose City places you in the heart of one of the most turbulent chapters in recent American history. Renn Cannon uses his unique experience as the former special agent in charge of the FBI’s Portland Division to explore how local police, federal agencies, and elected leaders struggled to walk the line between protecting constitutional rights and maintaining order. With the precision and pacing of a seasoned reporter, Cannon blends behind-the-scenes insights with on-the-ground protest experiences. The result is a sometimes unsettling and always gripping portrait of the high cost of democracy in a city pushed to its breaking point.This is a book for anyone turning a concerned eye toward Portland—regardless of background or political affiliation. No matter how you see the picture, Cannon’s account will sharpen your vision of the challenges facing all our communities as they work to balance social justice and public safety in the 21st century. Read more