Eyes on the Rose City

Frontline Chronicles from Portland's 2020 Riots

Renn Cannon

Behind the headlines in a city under pressure . . .

In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, a city known for protests erupts into nightly demonstrations. What begins in Portland as a call for justice is soon marred by arson and vandalism, then swells into a storm of assaults, clashing protests, Molotov cocktails, and the crack of live gunfire. Statues topple, buildings are scorched, and tear gas billows as Portland becomes a national symbol of both righteous anger and violent unrest.

Part frontline chronicle, part insider account, Eyes on the Rose City places you in the heart of one of the most turbulent chapters in recent American history. Renn Cannon uses his unique experience as the former special agent in charge of the FBI’s Portland Division to explore how local police, federal agencies, and elected leaders struggled to walk the line between protecting constitutional rights and maintaining order. With the precision and pacing of a seasoned reporter, Cannon blends behind-the-scenes insights with on-the-ground protest experiences. The result is a sometimes unsettling and always gripping portrait of the high cost of democracy in a city pushed to its breaking point.

This is a book for anyone turning a concerned eye toward Portland—regardless of background or political affiliation. No matter how you see the picture, Cannon’s account will sharpen your vision of the challenges facing all our communities as they work to balance social justice and public safety in the 21^st century.

Renn Cannon spent over thirty years in public service, the last four in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as the special agent in charge (SAC) of the Portland Division. In this role, he oversaw FBI operations throughout the state of Oregon. Prior to Portland, Renn completed FBI postings in Washington, DC; Salt Lake City, Utah; Sydney, Australia; Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan; and San Jose, California. During these postings, Renn worked and led investigations pertaining to organized crime, drug trafficking, fraud, violent crime, counterterrorism, counterintelligence, cybercrime, and intelligence. Renn also worked extensively as an FBI tactical operator and leader.

Prior to the FBI, Renn served in the US Army including service in Bosnia. Renn also had a successful stint in the private sector as a manufacturing manager.

Renn is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and the George Washington University in Washington, DC. He and his wife have three grown children.