1 Dead in Portland Protests

Unidentified man reportedly a member of Patriot Prayer
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Aug 30, 2020 6:01 AM CDT
1 Dead in Portland Protests
Supporters of President Donald Trump attend a rally Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, in Clackamas, Ore.   (AP Photo/Paula Bronstein)

One person was shot and killed late Saturday in Portland, Ore., as a large caravan of President Trump supporters and Black Lives Matter protesters clashed in the streets. It wasn’t clear if the shooting was linked to fights that broke out as a caravan of about 600 vehicles was confronted by counter-demonstrators in the city’s downtown. Police said the caravan had left the area around 8:30pm, and officers heard gunshots at about 8:46pm, according to a statement. Officers arrived at the scene “within a minute,” police said, but the man who was shot did not survive. An AP freelance photographer heard three gunshots and then observed police medics working on the victim, who appeared to be a white man. The freelancer said the man was wearing a hat bearing the insignia of Patriot Prayer, a right-wing group whose members have frequently clashed with protesters in Portland in the past.

Police said the man was shot in the chest, reports the AP. It’s unclear who shot him. Homicide detectives were looking for more evidence, acknowledging that several images and videos had been posted on social media. “It is important for detectives get a full and accurate picture of what happened before, during, and after the shooting,” a police statement said. “If anyone was a witness, has video, or has information about the homicide, they’re asked to contact the primary detectives.” "This violence is completely unacceptable and we are working diligently to find and apprehend the individual or individuals responsible,” Chief Chuck Lovell said. In the two hours following the shooting, protesters gathered downtown and there was sporadic fighting and vandalism. Ten people were arrested, police said.

(More Black Lives Matter stories.)

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