(Portland, OR)  --  The Portland Police Bureau used tear gas downtown last night after declaring a riot during protests against police brutality and systemic racism.  The Oregonian reports it was the first time officers had used tear gas downtown since federal agents left the area late last month.  Protesters gathered at the Justice Center and Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse on Southwest Third Avenue.  Some of the demonstrators allegedly set off fireworks and threw things while other demonstrators pleaded with them not to provoke police.  Last night was the 77th consecutive night of protests in Portland following the police custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in late May.