No Badge Excuses Violence against Elder Americans

I am deeply alarmed by the incident reported on October 4, 2025, in Portland, Oregon, in which federal agents — acting ostensibly to police a protest — are alleged to have knocked down an elderly couple, aged 84, even though they were peacefully protesting. This is not only unconscionable — it should shock the conscience of any public servant who believes in rule of law, civil liberties, and the duty to protect citizens (not assault them). The reports indicate that the agents used force preemptively, with no clear provocation or de-escalation attempt. This behavior risks crossing the line from enforcement into assault, and it undermines public confidence in federal law enforcement. Under the U.S. Constitution, individuals have protection against unreasonable seizures or excessive force (Fourth Amendment), and the government is not above accountability. Therefore, I respectfully but firmly demand you take the following actions immediately: 1. Immediate suspension or redeployment of the federal agents and units involved in the Portland deployment, pending the outcome of a rigorous investigation. 2. Independent, transparent investigation — ideally led by the DHS and/or DOJ Office of Inspector General, or via a bipartisan Congressional oversight committee — into the use of force, chain of command, rules of engagement, identification practices, and decision-making that led to this incident. 3. Public disclosure of relevant evidence, including body camera footage, internal operational orders, communications, and after-action reports (with appropriate redactions if needed). 4. Accountability and corrective measures if violations are found — including the removal of officers from duty, disciplinary measures, criminal referral if warranted, and reforms to prevent recurrence. 5. Legislative or policy safeguards to prevent abuse: requirements that federal agents deployed domestically carry clear identification, restrictions on preemptive force (absent imminent threat), coordination with local law enforcement and oversight structures, and transparency obligations (e.g. prior notice, judicial review) before deploying paramilitary-style force in domestic settings. The use of force by any government actor is a serious matter. When it is inflicted upon the elderly, upon peaceful protestors, or without accountability, it ceases to be protection and becomes tyranny. Our democracy depends on the principle that governments are constrained by law, not above it. Now more than ever, your moral and political leadership matters. Thank you for your time and attention.