A standoff between federal agents and Black Lives Matter protesters continued outside a federal courthouse on Friday evening (July 24) in the 56th straight day of anti-racism protests across the United States.

Federal agents were seen firing tear gas canisters at demonstrators, only to be met with leafblowers that sent clouds of tear gas back over a steel fence dividing federal officers and protesters. Protesters were also seen throwing lit tear gas canisters and fireworks over the fence.

The specially equipped federal police agents sent to Portland have drawn scrutiny from the Justice Department inspector general, who announced an investigation of their use of force as a judge temporarily blocked the arrest of journalists and legal observers.

Prosecutors also charged 18 protesters in Portland with assaulting federal officers, trespassing and arson during the protests, the Justice Department said.

Portland has been rocked by nearly two months of demonstrations for racial equality, part of a movement that has swept the United States since the death of George Floyd in May.

(Production: Yi Shu Ng)

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