A Gripping Exploration of Leadership and Public Safety
In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, a city known for protests erupts. What begins as a call for justice is soon marred by a storm where buildings are scorched, statues topple, and tear gas billows. Eyes on the Rose City places you in the heart of the city as Portland becomes a national symbol of both righteous anger and violent unrest.
Former FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Renn Cannon explores the grueling challenge of protecting constitutional rights while maintaining order. Blending behind the scenes insights with on-the-ground experiences, Cannon paints a sometimes unsettling, always gripping portrait of 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 21st century.
. . . a page-turning inside account . . . which raise(s) timely questions about the growing tensions between our freedoms and our security in an American democracy being stressed to the limit.”
Frank Figliuzzi, National security analyst and former FBI assistant director
The book doesn’t hide from uncomfortable truths. It shows you what happened and trusts you to think for yourself. An important book, written by someone who earned the right to write it.
Kevin Jones, CEO and Artistic Director of The Red Door Project
A powerful perspective on the actual scope of the problems we face and the resilience required to meet them.
Carmen Best, global security executive and former Chief of Police, Seattle Police Department
If you want to understand what really happened - and what it means - this is where to start.
This book clearly lays out how (Cannon) and his law enforcement partners in Portland navigated that difficult period and threaded a complex needle . . . a must read for in extremis leaders.
James A. Gagliano, FBI Supervisory Special Agent (Ret.), doctoral candidate in Homeland Security at St. John's University, and FOX News Contributor
Powerful! There’s always more to the story, and Renn Cannon delivers it with this raw, insider’s account of Portland’s season of unrest and riots.
Debbie Dujanovic, journalist and former FBI spokesperson and former talk radio host
This book is for anyone who wants to understand legitimacy, alienation, and the limits of hard and soft power, whether here at home or in foreign lands.
Lawrence Butler, international consultant and former U.S. Ambassador to Macedonia
Eyes on the Rose City is an important contribution - essential reading for law enforcement leaders and a fascinating, behind-the-scenes tour for anyone interested in public safety in the 21st century.
Mark Kroeker, Founder and Senior Partner, Kroeker Partners, LLC and former Chief of Police, Portland Police Bureau
Eyes on the Rose City reads like a suspense novel with twists, turns, and rolling climaxes. Cannon is the real deal . . .
John Huber, former U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah (2015-2021)
Eyes on the Rose City is a must-have guide for law enforcement and community leaders.
Kathleen McChesney, former FBI Executive Assistant Director and co-author of Pick up Your Brass: Leadership the FBI Way.