Right-Wing Slugger “Tiny” Toese Arrested Again While Trolling Portland

Patriot Prayer, a far-right protest group based out of Vancouver, Wash., was in Portland for what it called a "march for Kate Steinle," the San Francisco woman who was shot and killed by an undocumented immigrant earlier this year.

"Tiny" Toese (at right) has been a regular presence at right-wing protests. (William Gagan)
By Katie Shepherd

Portland police arrested the most well-known pugilist in the Pacific Northwest's right-wing extremist movement for the second time this year at protests in downtown Portland on Saturday.

Tusitala "Tiny" Toese, 21, was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct, harassment, assault and a warrant for a previous charge of disorderly conduct. He had previously been cited for fighting at a protest in August and was arrested in September after failing to appear in court.

Patriot Prayer, a far-right protest group based out of Vancouver, Wash., was in Portland for what it called a "march for Kate Steinle," the San Francisco woman who was shot and killed by an undocumented immigrant earlier this year. A jury acquitted the man of murder and involuntary manslaughter charges last month—but the killing has become a rallying point for nationalists who want to close the border with Mexico.

Patriot Prayer's events, designed to troll and taunt Portland progressives and antifascists, have regularly devolved into violent scrums. Saturday was no exception—despite a turnout of less than 100 people.

Clashes between Patriot Prayer protesters and counter-protesters led to people on both sides being pepper sprayed. Police in riot gear tried to separate the two groups.

Toese was the only person arrested at the protest.

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