On Thursday afternoon, a shooting incident involving a federal agent in Portland, Oregon, left two individuals injured, according to authorities. The incident unfolded after agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducted a targeted stop on a vehicle believed to be carrying two individuals connected to the Tren de Aragua gang. The passenger in the vehicle was identified as the main target of the operation.
According to a statement from the DHS, the situation escalated when the vehicle's driver attempted to run over the law enforcement agents after they announced their presence. In response to this life-threatening action, a federal agent fired a defensive shot as the driver fled the scene with the passenger still in the vehicle. This incident took place around 2:19 p.m. local time, leading to further police involvement.
Portland police responded to reports of the shooting at the 10200 block of Southeast Main Street, which is near Adventist Health, a local medical facility. Shortly after, officers received another call for assistance from an apartment complex approximately three miles away from the initial shooting site. Upon arrival, they discovered a man and a woman suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victims had managed to drive themselves to the complex located near Northeast 146th Avenue and East Burnside Street, where the injured man sought help.
Emergency responders, including police officers who applied a tourniquet, swiftly called for medical personnel. Both victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment, but their current conditions remain unknown. The Portland Police Department confirmed that federal agents were indeed involved in the shooting, clarifying that local police were not part of the incident.
In light of the shooting, Portland Police Chief Bob Day urged the community to remain calm amid the heightened emotional climate following a recent deadly shooting involving an ICE officer in Minneapolis. In a statement, Chief Day emphasized, "We are still in the early stages of this incident. We understand the heightened emotion and tension many are feeling, but I am asking the community to remain calm as we work to learn more."
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson described the incident as "deeply troubling" and urged residents to respond to the situation with calm and purpose. He stated, "Portland does not respond to violence with violence. We respond with clarity, unity, and a commitment to justice. We must stand together to protect Portland." Mayor Wilson also called on ICE to halt all operations in the city until a thorough investigation is completed.
Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez expressed his concern at the scene, stating, "We are here from this attorney's office to monitor, to assist, and to ensure that there's a thorough and complete investigation." He emphasized the importance of preserving evidence to uncover all the facts surrounding the incident.
This is an ongoing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Please check back for the latest developments regarding this serious incident in Portland.