A Portland police officer has been reassigned following the release of a video in which he stated he would shoot someone if they drove their car at him during a protest. The incident has sparked significant reactions from city officials and the community, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding law enforcement practices.
Mayor Wilson expressed the community’s shock and grief over the officer’s comments, linking them to the “tragic and preventable death” of Renee Nicole Good, who was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minnesota. “Like Renee, everyday Portlanders across the city have stood up to a reckless, escalatory federal government, and they need to know their local leaders and law enforcement are on their side,” Wilson remarked.
Good’s death has ignited a heated debate, with the Department of Homeland Security labeling it an act of self-defense, asserting that Good drove toward officers. However, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has vehemently disputed this claim, asserting, “That is bull***,” during a press conference on January 7.
Portland Police Chief Robert Day acknowledged the video and confirmed the officer’s reassignment while a formal review of the incident is underway. Chief Day emphasized the importance of maintaining trust within the community and ensuring that the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) adheres to professional standards. “Tensions are high at this time, and this is affecting all of us,” he stated.
The officer’s comments come on the heels of another incident in which a U.S. Border Patrol officer shot and injured two individuals during a traffic stop in Portland. Similar to the situation surrounding Good’s death, the DHS claimed that the officers acted out of fear for their safety, asserting a connection between those involved and the Tren de Aragua gang.
Portland City Councilor Angelita Morillo reacted strongly to the officer’s remarks, urging residents to contact Mayor Wilson about the incident. “I was extremely frustrated that a representative of our police department would feel comfortable speaking to protesters in that way,” Morillo stated. She called for police to adopt a neutral, de-escalatory approach to protests, warning that the use of force against crowds can heighten tensions and undermine citizens’ First Amendment rights.
As protests continue outside the ICE facility in South Portland, Morillo and other city council members are closely monitoring the situation. “People’s emotions are heightened and rightfully so,” she said. “We need our police to be a peacemaking force, not a force that escalates tensions.”
Meanwhile, Minneapolis Mayor Frey is advocating for the federal government to allow state agencies to assist in investigating Good’s shooting, further emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in law enforcement actions.
