lissa Azar was found guilty by a Clackamas County jury Aug. 14 on charges related to a 2021 riot in Oregon City that involved a clash between Antifa and Proud Boys.
Azar, 33, of Portland, was found guilty of riot and second-degree disorderly conduct. The jury was hung on the charge of unlawful use of tear gas/mace. The jury trial began Aug. 6 before Judge Todd Van Rysselberghe. Sentencing has been set for 11:30 a.m. Sept. 9.
The charges stemmed from a June 18, 2021 event when members of the Proud Boys reserved a park shelter at Clackamette Park in Oregon City. Members of both groups that day distributed messages on social media platforms, calling for their members to come to the park. The Proud Boys donned body armor, helmets, shields and were armed with pistols, rifles, PepperBall rifles, bats and large canisters of pepper spray. Meanwhile, Antifa members wore face coverings and helmets, and carried umbrellas, shields and pepper spray canisters.
After Antifa members lit an American flag on fire, a violent confrontation ensued between the two groups before Oregon City Police declared a riot. Nearly 100 people in the park were engaged in violent activities that included shoving, punching, pepper spraying and setting off smoke bombs and fireworks. At one point, a family that included two young children that was not part of either group was trapped and could not safely exit the park. Fortunately, police were able to escort the family away with a marine patrol safety boat.
Azar was identified through video evidence as charging and spraying bear mace at a Proud Boy affiliate.
Azar was previously indicted for riot in a separate incident in Multnomah County, but charges were dismissed in October 2023. Azar is currently charged with second-degree criminal trespass in Multnomah County for an alleged incident related to protests at Portland State University.
“Violence and rioting will not be tolerated in Clackamas County,” said District Attorney John Wentworth. “Law enforcement officers and prosecutors worked diligently to bring this case to trial because families deserve to feel safe in our parks.”
Several Proud Boy affiliates have also been charged. Gordon Cronk, 33, and Tommy Campbell, 48, have also been indicted on riot charges. Both failed to appear for their arraignments, and warrants were issued for their arrest. They are currently wanted by law enforcement.
Meanwhile, fellow Proud Boy affiliate Barry Johnson was charged with disorderly conduct and harassment for his alleged role in the riot. His trial is set for Nov. 12.
