Federal Agents Shoot Two Individuals in Portland Parking Lot, Prompting State Officials to Call for Investigation
On Thursday afternoon, CBP agents shot a man and a woman in the parking lot of a medical clinic near Adventist Health in Southeast Portland, shaking Portland. Medical Office 3 on S.E. Main Street was the scene at 2:15 p.m. The pair was rushed to a local hospital with gunshot wounds, according to witnesses and authorities.
Dispatch audio and Portland police files show the male was shot in the arm or leg and the woman in the chest. The victims may be married. They have not divulged their conditions.
A traffic stop was attempted by federal officers when the shooting occurred. Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin said agents acted in self-defense. The vehicle driver was supposedly a transnational criminal and involved in a Portland violence incident. Federal officials said the car threatened law enforcement when the agents identified themselves, causing the defensive response.
The FBI Portland office is investigating the federal police attack. Both victims fled the shooting and were treated.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced a formal shooting investigation. Rayfield raised concerns about federal agents’ excessive force in Portland and nationwide. The investigation seeks responsibility and protocol compliance, he said.
Witnesses reported chaos in the clinic parking lot. One witness saw federal officials chase a vehicle into the lot, try to corner it, and talk to the driver as it hit another car before fleeing. Officers fired several shots at the vehicle as it left.
Two victims were recovered 40 blocks distant in Northeast Portland by Portland police. Emergency personnel promptly applied tourniquets and transported the victims to a hospital.
Community reactions were fast. Local leaders protested the use of force as hundreds held a candlelight vigil outside Portland City Hall. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson condemned federal operations and ordered a citywide enforcement freeze until a full inquiry is complete. He emphasized that Portland should not try military federal techniques.
Local officials and Governor Tina Kotek demanded responsibility and openness. She demanded a comprehensive federal investigation and halted detentions until it was completed.
The investigation continues, but city officials and police advise residents to stay calm. Portland is still recovering from this shooting, which comes amid national disputes over federal law enforcement tactics and civilian force. The inquiry is ongoing, and police have promised additional details.
Sources:
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Office of the Oregon Attorney General
- Portland Police Department
