Portland, Oregon — A shooting incident involving federal immigration officers left two individuals wounded near a hospital on Thursday afternoon. The event occurred shortly after a Minnesota officer fatally shot a woman, heightening tensions across the country.
The FBI’s Portland office confirmed it is conducting an investigation into the agent-involved shooting that took place around 2:15 p.m. Local police initially responded to reports of a shooting incident near the hospital. Moments later, they learned that a gunshot victim was requesting assistance a couple of miles away. Upon arrival, officers discovered two individuals with apparent gunshot wounds, both of whom were injured during the encounter with federal agents.
As of now, the condition of the wounded individuals remains unclear. During a Portland City Council meeting, Council President Elana Pirtle-Guiney noted that both individuals are likely still alive and expressed hope for positive updates later in the day.
This incident comes on the heels of a separate shooting in Minnesota, where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot and killed a woman. The escalating situation has strained the already fraught relationship between Portland and the administration, particularly following a recent attempt to deploy National Guard troops in the city.
Portland police have cordoned off the scene where the shooting occurred, along with the location where the two individuals were found, as authorities continue their investigation. Chief Bob Day urged the community to remain calm, acknowledging the heightened emotions in the wake of the Minnesota shooting. “We are in the early stages of this incident,” he said, encouraging patience as more information becomes available.
In response to the incident, Mayor Keith Wilson and the City Council called for a halt to all ICE operations in Portland until a thorough investigation is completed. Their joint statement emphasized concerns over constitutional protections and the potential for violence stemming from federal actions. “Portland is not a ‘training ground’ for militarized agents,” they asserted, warning that such tactics could have deadly repercussions.
City officials voiced their commitment to uphold civil and human rights for residents, stating that federal militarization can undermine effective community safety. They urged residents to approach the situation with composure and purpose.
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, representing Oregon, also chimed in, encouraging any potential protesters to maintain peaceful demonstrations. He cautioned against reacting to provocation in an effort to avoid escalating tensions further.
As the investigation unfolds, Portland’s community leaders remain vigilant, calling for unity and commitment to justice during a tumultuous period marked by rising violence and calls for reform across the nation.