Federal Agents Involved in Shooting in Portland
Federal agents reportedly shot and killed two individuals in Portland, Oregon, on Thursday afternoon, according to city leaders and local authorities.
Details are a bit unclear, but city officials indicated that police responded to gunfire reports in southeast Portland at around 2:18 p.m. PT. A police press release indicated that officers received information about a man who was shot and calling for help, leading them to find both a man and a woman with gunshot wounds.
The full circumstances surrounding the shooting remain uncertain, though Mayor Keith Wilson stated that federal agents were responsible for the gunfire.
The President of the Portland City Council, Elana Pirtle-Guiney, mentioned during a council meeting that the individuals shot were still alive.
The incident took place while two U.S. Border Patrol agents were performing a “targeted vehicle stop” in the area, per a statement from the Department of Homeland Security. According to their report, the vehicle’s passengers were undocumented Venezuelan immigrants linked to the Torren de Aragua prostitution ring and involved in recent violence in Portland. The driver was suspected to be associated with the violent gang Torren de Aragua.
Upon identifying themselves as law enforcement, authorities claim the driver, who allegedly possessed a weapon in the vehicle, attempted to run over an officer. In response, they shot their weapons defensively. The driver then fled the scene with a passenger still in the car. This situation continues to develop, and additional information is expected soon.
In light of recent events, city leaders are urging calm, especially after a woman was shot in Minneapolis during an ICE operation when her car accelerated towards an ICE agent.
Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) has called for peaceful protests, saying, “Please continue to protest peacefully. Trump is trying to incite chaos. Don’t take the bait.”
Portland Police Chief Bob Day added that while emotions are running high, it’s important for the community to remain composed as more information becomes available.
