When 'We Run the Show' Met Justice: Attorney Acquitted in High-Stakes Airport Trespass Case

Imagine the scene: you're just trying to pick someone up at the airport, navigating the usual hustle and bustle of arrivals. Now, imagine that simple, everyday task escalating into an arrest, a charge of criminal trespass, and a tense courtroom battle. That’s precisely what happened to Christopher Lundberg, a Portland attorney, in a recent incident at Portland International Airport (PDX) that has since seen him triumphantly acquitted by a jury.

It all began when Lundberg was at PDX, attempting to collect a client from baggage claim. He was, by all accounts, doing what many of us do – waiting in a designated area, perhaps circling back once or twice, trying to time his pick-up perfectly to avoid congestion. But for reasons that became a focal point of debate, his actions caught the attention of airport police. What followed was a series of interactions that rapidly deteriorated, culminating in his arrest.

According to reports and what was later presented as evidence, officers confronted Lundberg, telling him he needed to move. Despite his attempts to comply and clarify the situation, the tension visibly escalated. It was during this heated exchange that a truly remarkable, and arguably chilling, statement was allegedly made by an officer: 'We run the show.' A stark declaration of power that, as events would unfold, would come to symbolize the very heart of the legal dispute.

Lundberg suddenly found himself facing a criminal trespass charge. Instead of buckling under the pressure or hiring external counsel, this seasoned attorney chose to represent himself. It was a bold move, pitting his understanding of the law and his personal experience against the authority of airport law enforcement. The ensuing two-day trial was, by all accounts, a gripping affair, drawing attention to the nuanced interplay of public spaces and police discretion.

The pivotal piece of evidence? Police body camera footage. In today's world, these recordings are often the unbiased witnesses we desperately need, and in this case, the footage proved absolutely crucial. It captured the entirety of the interaction, from the initial encounter to the controversial 'We run the show' declaration, and ultimately, the arrest itself. This visual record allowed the jury to see, firsthand, the unfolding drama and critically evaluate both the officers' actions and Lundberg's responses.

Lundberg’s defense was compellingly straightforward, yet deeply significant: while individual officers certainly wield immediate authority, the actual rules governing the airport – the rules that define where you can wait, when you might be considered trespassing – are set by the Port of Portland, the overarching governmental authority. It's not, he argued, up to an officer’s arbitrary discretion or a spontaneous declaration of 'running the show' to unilaterally redefine those established policies. It was a nuanced point about where true authority resides, distinguishing between immediate operational command and foundational legal governance.

After careful deliberation, the jury returned its verdict: not guilty. Acquittal. It was a clear victory for Lundberg and, perhaps more broadly, a significant message about accountability and the precise limits of police power, even in places like airports where security is understandably paramount. This outcome serves as a powerful reminder that even when authorities feel they 'run the show,' the ultimate arbiter of justice remains the law and, crucially, a jury of one’s peers.

The case resonates far beyond just one man’s experience at PDX. It underscores the importance of clear, publicly accessible guidelines, the invaluable transparency offered by body camera footage, and the fundamental right of individuals to challenge perceived overreach. For anyone who's ever felt a moment of unease or confusion while navigating an airport, Lundberg’s story offers a compelling testament to standing your ground when you truly believe justice is on your side.