Photo: KATU

Attorney General Dan Rayfield today announced that the Oregon Department of Justice is opening a formal investigation into an incident in Portland in which two people were shot and injured during an encounter with federal agents.

“We have been clear about our concerns with excessive use of force by federal agents in Portland and nationally. We have also been clear about our intent to investigate circumstances involving federal agents to ensure they are accountable to acting within the scope of their official duties.” said Attorney General Rayfield. “Today’s incident only heightens the need for transparency and accountability. Our office will take every step necessary to ensure that the rights and security of Oregonians are protected.”

The investigation will look into whether any federal officer acted outside the scope of their lawful authority and will include witness interviews, video evidence, and other relevant materials. If evidence of criminal conduct is found cases may be referred to the Multnomah County District Attorney for potential prosecution.

This investigation follows a November letter sent by Attorney General Rayfield, along with Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez, Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton, and Clackamas County District Attorney John Wentworth, which raised urgent concerns about a pattern of excessive force by federal officers operating in Oregon.

The letter documented multiple incidents in which federal officers used disproportionate force, including munitions striking law enforcement personnel and actions that endangered residents and bystanders. The letter called on federal agencies to halt unlawful actions, improve training, investigate excessive-force complaints, and cooperate fully with state oversight.

Governor Tina Kotek issued the following statement in response to news that two people were shot and injured by federal agents in Portland’s Hazelwood Neighborhood.

“We are all shaken and outraged by another terrible, unnecessary violent event instigated by the reckless agenda of the Trump administration, this time in our own state, in our largest city, coming just one day after the tragedy in Minnesota.

“While details remain limited, one thing is clear: when a president endorses tearing families apart, and attempts to govern through fear and hate rather than shared values, he fosters an environment of lawlessness and recklessness.

“I am aligned with Mayor Wilson: the priority right now is a full, completed investigation, not more detentions. The Attorney General, district attorneys, and I have been clear about our concerns with the excessive use of force by federal agents in Portland, and today’s incident only heightens the need for transparency and accountability. Oregonians deserve clear answers.

“There are those who want to cause chaos. But Oregonians know how to stand up and speak out, peacefully. We must remain united in peaceful opposition to efforts to tear our communities apart and turn against one another. We will not take the bait.

“I am grateful to the first responders who have been on the frontline of today’s events. The state will continue to support Portland, and stand united with Minnesota.”

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson issued this statement:

Just one day after the horrific violence in Minnesota at the hands of federal agents, our community here in Portland is now grappling with another deeply troubling incident. Earlier this afternoon, two people were shot and injured by federal agents in the Hazelwood neighborhood.

We cannot sit by while constitutional protections erode and bloodshed mounts. Portland is not a "training ground" for militarized agents, and the "full force" threatened by the administration has deadly consequences. As Mayor, I call on ICE to end all operations in Portland until a full investigation can be completed.

Federal militarization undermines effective, community‑based public safety, and it runs counter to the values that define our region. I will use every legal and legislative tool available to protect our residents' civil and human rights.

I call on every Portlander to represent our values and to show up with calm and purpose during this difficult time. Portland does not respond to violence with violence. We respond with clarity, unity, and a commitment to justice. We must stand together to protect Portland.

The City of Portland will continue to provide updates as they become available. We are grateful to our first responders for their support of the victims.

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