As if Elmo trolling anti-ICE protesters wasn’t enough, Portland just saw the arrest of a “pacifist” Quaker on federal charges.
The man’s name is Robert Jacob Hoopes, and he is being charged with “aggravated assault of a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, and depredation of federal property in an amount exceeding $1,000,” according to Fox News. He managed to rack up these shocking charges at an anti-ICE protest in Portland, where he was “allegedly throwing large rocks at a building” belonging to federal immigration enforcement.
“According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon, he threw one of the rocks at an ICE officer and caused a ‘significant laceration over the officer’s eye.’ Additionally, Hoopes and two others were allegedly seen using a stop sign as a battering ram and caused ‘major damage’ to the building’s main entrance,” the article explains.
“Hoopes faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the aggravated assault charge and up to 10 years in prison for damaging federal property,” according to officials.
However, the man’s father describes Hoopes as “committed to pacifism,” but goes on to say his son is also “deeply committed to justice.” Many of those involved in these types of activism and protests believe they are defending justice and what is “right,” which justifies any violent action they may take against those they deem “wrong.”
A former roommate of the suspect has penned a letter claiming that he is “not someone who would have ‘assaulted an officer,’” though the feds would disagree. Against the wishes of the prosecutor, Hoopes was granted pretrial release by the judge.
This comes after a grown adult dressed in an Elmo costume was filmed trolling protesters at a similar demonstration. The performance baffled those in attendance, who weren’t sure exactly whose side the Sesame Street character was supposed to be on.
X users reacted to the strange story:
Darn, not the Quaker!!
— Grumpy American (@Grumpy_American) July 29, 2025
If you’re smashing up city streets, love, don’t be surprised if the law comes knocking—common sense isn’t a crime.
— Yorkshire Lass (@eyup_io) July 29, 2025
Did he forget to eat his oats that morning???
— Getreal (@Buckthedoggie1) July 29, 2025
If you assault a Federal officer you should Immediately be locked Up!!!…
— Frederick (@Frederi32464870) July 29, 2025
I don’t care what he is he assaulted an ICE agent, and now he has to suffer the consequences
— Susan Seibold (@seibold_susan) July 29, 2025
Robert Hoopes, 24, of Portland, made his initial appearance in federal court today after committing various offenses – including aggravated assault of a federal officer and damaging federal property – during a violent protest at the ICE office in South Portland. He has been… pic.twitter.com/E9DCieKFWF
— FBI Portland (@FBIPortland) July 28, 2025
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Author: Sierra Marlee
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