Two people have been wounded in a shooting involving US federal agents in Portland, Oregon, say officials.
The city’s police department said in a statement that a man and woman had been taken to the hospital and their conditions were unknown.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the incident began with the traffic stop of a Venezuelan gang member, who “attempted to run over” agents with his car.
The incident comes a day after a federal agent fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis, triggering protests around the US against federal law enforcement operations in US cities.
“The passenger of the vehicle and target is a Venezuelan illegal alien affiliated with the transnational Tren de Aragua prostitution ring and involved in a recent shooting in Portland,” DHS said in a statement posted on X.
“When agents identified themselves to the vehicle occupants, the driver weaponised his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents.
“Fearing for his life and safety, an agent fired a defensive shot. The driver drove off with the passenger, fleeing the scene.”
Portland Police said in their own statement that their officers were not involved in the incident and were called after receiving reports of a shooting.
The two people who were shot have not identified, and police say they were discovered several blocks from the scene of the shooting.
“Officers applied a tourniquet and summoned emergency medical personnel,” before they were taken to the hospital, the statement said, adding that “their conditions are unknown.
Portland District Attorney Nathan Vasquez, speaking from the scene of the shooting, told reporters he was there “to monitor, to assist, and to make sure that there’s a thorough and complete investigation”.
He pledged to ensure “that evidence is fully preserved and that – we’re certainly hoping – that we can get all of the facts about what transpired here today”.
His comments come after officials in Minnesota announced that the FBI would not include local investigators in their probe of the death on Wednesday of Renee Nicole Good, who was shot after officers alleged she attempted to run over agents.
“We are still in the early stages of this incident,” said Portland Police Chief Bob Day on Thursday.
“We understand the heightened emotion and tension many are feeling in the wake of the shooting in Minneapolis, but I am asking the community to remain calm as we work to learn more.”
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson also released a statement, saying the shooting comes “just one day after the horrific violence in Minnesota at the hands of federal agents”.
He added that immigration agents should “end all operations in Portland until a full investigation can be completed”.
“Federal militarisation undermines effective, community‑based public safety, and it runs counter to the values that define our region,” he said.
Portland has been the site of large anti-Trump protests in the past.
On Wednesday night, Portland police arrested one protester who was charged with menacing after officers found him allegedly threatening another person with a knife.
- President Commissions 36.5 Million Dollars Hospital In The Tain District
- You Will Not Go Free For Killing An Hard Working MP – Akufo-Addo To MP’s Killer
- I Will Lead You To Victory – Ato Forson Assures NDC Supporters
Visit Our Social Media for More
About Author
