Regretful victim of ‘brutal’ Portland attack blames ‘Defund the Police’

A Portland Woman’s Terrifying Encounter

A Portland woman’s⁣ life was forever changed when she became the victim of a brutal attack last month. Mary Costantino, a doctor, ‍believes that the city’s “defund the police” efforts played ⁤a significant role in the incident.

On the‌ night⁣ of July⁢ 28, Costantino found herself waiting for over 20 minutes ‌for a‍ police ⁢response after ​a homeless man struck her with an aluminum water bottle. The attack left‍ her⁣ unconscious and bleeding on the sidewalk. This horrifying incident occurred while she was walking in​ what she described as a “nice neighborhood” with​ a friend, as reported by Fox News.

Costantino firmly‌ believes ⁢that Portland ⁢lacks an ⁤adequate police force to ensure ⁣the ‌safety of its⁣ citizens.‌ She acknowledges that the city’s decision to defund the police has⁣ had dire consequences, stating, “we did this to ourselves.”

According to⁢ a police spokesperson, surveillance footage ‌captured the unprovoked and brutal‌ nature of the attack. This incident⁢ serves as a stark reminder of the challenges‌ faced by Portland due to the reduction‌ in police personnel and resources.

A City in⁤ Crisis

Portland’s approach to crime and homelessness has ‌resulted in serious issues‍ plaguing the ⁤city. Mayor Ted Wheeler (D.) has proposed ‍allocating nearly ‌ twice as⁤ much⁣ funding ⁣ to the marijuana industry as he has requested for‍ new police officers. Additionally, ‌the city council ‌ weakened its ⁣ordinance banning camping on public property.

The consequences of these decisions have been‍ severe,​ with crime ‍rates soaring and homelessness reaching alarming levels. Many residents have been forced to leave the city in search‌ of safety.

Costantino credits her friend, a towering 6’7″ man, for saving ​her​ from‌ an even worse fate. She recalls, “The guy who attacked me was still coming towards me, or us. Had⁣ it not been‌ for this person ‌being with⁢ me, it would’ve, I think, been a lot worse.”