A British influencer cut short his holiday to Portland, Oregon, because it was "dangerous" and "at no point did we feel safe in the city"."

Will Bailey, 25, and his girlfriend Hannah Taylor, 27, also an influencer, chose the city as the first stop on a two‑month road trip across the United States.

Bailey said the trip took an unexpected turn - after they heard gunshots, saw "lifeless bodies on every corner," extreme poverty, homelessness, and an "overwhelming amount" of crime."

They left early, after just two days in the downtown area, fearing for their safety.

In 2025 alone, President Trump has deployed the National Guard to Washington, D.C., Memphis, Chicago, and Los Angeles, along with Portland.

"Our experience in Portland can be summed up as dangerous and sad," said Bailey."

"Dangerous because at no point did we feel safe in the city, with seeing and hearing gunshots outside our hotel."

Bailey described an "extreme amount of poverty [and] homelessness," noting the city also contained an "overwhelming amount" of crime."

Bailey said: "[There were] smashed car windows on almost every street and boarded up shops due to break ins. It was all quite intense."

On social media, Bailey drew parallels between what he encountered and a dystopian setting.

"On the other hand it was a sad experience, sad because this once vibrant city has turned into what felt like a post-apocalyptic city," he said. "

"Lifeless bodies on every corner, rows of tents, human faces on the sidewalks."

He added: "There was nothing pleasant about walking around the city, and the fact that small independent coffee shops required armed security says it all. "

"That's when I decided to make my video, and post it to my social media."

The pair flew in via Iceland after finding affordable flights and saw the Northwestern city as a practical starting point, on October 17.

Their two-month trip to "the real America behind the headlines" will also take them to Las Vegas, Yellowstone, Texas, Nashville and New York City, and they are currently in Death Valley."

A viral TikTok Bailey posted comparing the city to a "post-apocalyptic" landscape gained over 3 million views in 48 hours and drew national media attention."

The viral clip was later picked up by commentators online, including major social media accounts that spotlight urban decline across American cities.

"The reaction to the video was enormous," he said. "I had hundreds of messages and thousands of comments across all the different versions of the posts."

While the experience left the couple rattled, Bailey said the outpouring of support from Americans helped restore his confidence in continuing their journey.

Many viewers offered advice, lodging, and reassurance.

"One positive note out of this whole experience, is that it's highlighted to me how welcoming the majority of US citizens are," Bailey said, noting multiple people offered free accommodations to try to "change" their USA experience."