Two people wounded in shooting involving federal agents in Portland
Two people were injured in a shooting involving US federal agents in Portland, Oregon, authorities said.
A man and woman were taken to the hospital and their condition was unknown, the city’s police department said in a statement.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the incident occurred at 2:19 p.m. local time (22:19 GMT) during a traffic stop involving a Venezuelan gang member who “attempted to run over” agents with his car.
The incident occurred a day after a federal agent fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis, triggering protests across the US against federal law enforcement operations in US cities.
“The vehicle’s passenger and target is a Venezuelan illegal alien who is affiliated with the transnational Tren de Aragua prostitution ring and was involved in a recent shooting in Portland,” DHS said in a statement published on X. he said.
“When the agents identified themselves to the occupants of the vehicle, the driver turned his vehicle into a weapon and attempted to run over the law enforcement officers.
“Fearing for his life and safety, an agent opened fire in defense. The driver fled the scene with the passenger.”
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 shot were not identified, and police said they were found a few blocks from the shooting scene.
In the statement, it was stated that “the police applied a tourniquet and called emergency medical personnel” before he was taken to the hospital, and that “their condition is unknown.”
Speaking at the scene of the shooting, Portland District Attorney Nathan Vasquez told reporters he was there “to monitor, to assist, and to make sure there was a thorough and complete investigation.”
“We certainly hope that the evidence will be fully preserved and that we will be able to get the full facts about what happened here today,” he promised.
His comments came after authorities in Minnesota said the FBI would not include local investigators in their investigation into the death Wednesday of Renee Nicole Good, who was shot after officers claimed she tried to run over the agents.
“We are still in the early stages of this incident,” Portland Police Chief Bob Day said Thursday.
“We understand the heightened emotions and tension many are feeling following the Minneapolis shooting, but I ask the community to remain calm as we work to learn more.”
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson also released a statement, saying the attack came “just one day after horrific violence at the hands of federal agents in Minnesota.”
He added that immigration agents should “cease all operations in Portland until a full investigation is completed.”
“Federal militarization undermines effective, community-based public safety and runs counter to the values that define our region,” he said.
Portland has been the scene of large anti-Trump protests in the past.
On Wednesday night, Portland police arrested a protester accused of threatening after officers spotted him allegedly threatening another person with a knife.
