2 people shot by federal agents in Portland, city police say
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Two people were shot by federal agents Thursday afternoon in Portland's Hazelwood neighborhood, according to the city's police department.
The big picture: Portland police said in a statement that officers responded to a report of a shooting near Adventist Health Portland in the 10200 block of Southeast Main Street at 2:18pm, and that a man and woman, whom they did not identify, were later hospitalized.
- Federal officials said those shot were trying to harm agents, while local leaders cited it as the latest example of federal law enforcement overreach in American cities.
Zoom in: The Department of Homeland Security said on X Thursday night that U.S. Border Patrol agents conducted "a targeted vehicle stop" in Portland and alleged the passenger was an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela who was involved in a recent shooting in Portland.
- The target was affiliated with a "prostitution ring" run by Tren de Aragua, which the Trump administration has designated a global terrorist organization, DHS alleged.
- The driver was also believed to be a member of the gang, and when agents identified themselves, the driver attempted to run agents over, according to DHS. "Fearing for his life and safety, an agent fired a defensive shot," DHS said.
- The driver fled the scene, according to DHS, which noted the situation "is evolving and more information is forthcoming."
Yes, but: Mayor Keith Wilson (D) questioned DHS' take on the incident during a Thursday evening briefing.
- "We know what the federal government said happened here," Wilson told reporters. "There was a time we could take them at their word. That time has passed."
State of play: President Trump's deployment of federal agencies to mostly Democratic-run states and cities as part of his administration's crackdown on immigration and crime has become a political flashpoint during his second term.
- Wilson in a statement called on Immigration and Customs Enforcement to "end all operations in Portland until a full investigation can be completed" and noted the shooting came a day after an ICE agent fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis, sparking nationwide protests.
- Hundreds gathered outside the city hall on Thursday night for a vigil that the Portland chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America organized with the rallying cry: "ICE out of Portland!"
What we know: A few minutes after the initial shooting call, at 2:24pm, city police "received information that a man who had been shot was calling and requesting help in the area of Northeast 146th Avenue and East Burnside," about three miles from the shooting area.
- Portland officers responded and found a male and female with gunshot wounds, according to the city's statement.
- The individuals were taken to an unidentified hospital after officers "applied a tourniquet" and their conditions were unknown, police said.
- Police secured the scene and westbound East Burnside Street was closed between Northeast 145th Avenue and Northeast 148th Avenue, according to the statement.
- "Portland Police were not involved in the incident," according to the city police statement.
What we're watching: Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield (D) announced Thursday night his department is opening an investigation into the Portland shooting.
Of note: Portland police do not engage or assist in federal immigration enforcement under city regulations and state law.
What they're saying: "We are still in the early stages of this incident," Police Chief Bob Day said in the statement. "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."
- Wilson urged "every Portlander to represent our values and to show up with calm and purpose during this difficult time," adding: "Portland does not respond to violence with violence."
- Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek (D) accused DHS at Thursday evening's briefing of "shattering trust," adding: "They are hurting people, and they are destroying day by day what we hold dear: our sense of safety."
- District 1 Councilors Candace Avalos, Jamie Dunphy, and Loretta Smith said in statement: "We are still waiting for more information at this time, but this is part of a pattern of violence that we have seen too many times across our country."
- Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden in a post to Bluesky called for President Trump to end the deployment of federal agents to Portland:
Editor's note: This article has been updated with additional details throughout.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that the distance between the site of the shooting and where the call for help was placed was about 3 miles, not 8.