Gunfire erupted in strife-torn Portland, Oregon, late Monday as police launched a manhunt for a suspect after two officers were wounded in a shooting.
The incident unfolded around 9:36 p.m., according to a city statement.
“Two @PortlandPolice officers were shot in NE Portland as leftist and Antifa rioters occupied the ICE facility in south Portland. The officers’ conditions are not confirmed,” journalist Andy Ngo posted on X.
Both officers were taken to a local hospital and were listed in stable condition, Det. Jon Richardson said, according to ABC News.
Police were dispatched to an area near Northeast 17th Avenue and Northeast Clackamas Street, where they encountered a man matching a suspect description, Richardson told KGW-TV.
When officers made contact, gunfire broke out.
“It was literally that brief of an encounter,” Richardson said.
Portland police later released an image and description of the suspect.
“The suspect is described as a Caucasian male in his mid-30’s, facial hair, black baseball cap, black jacket over a gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and black shoes. He is believed to be armed with a knife and a handgun,” police said.
“He also was seen with a black backpack and a green shopping bag. If anyone has information on the identity of this suspect or knows where he is now, please call 911. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached,” police said.
Mayor Keith Wilson said the shooting underscored the risks officers face on the job.
“This is a stark reminder of the dangers of the job, the jobs that our officers go out every day to serve and protect our community and we’re grateful for,” Wilson said, according to ABC News.
“We’re very concerned for the officers that were shot, we’re happy to hear that they are in stable condition and we wish them a speedy recovery and we send them our prayers,” he added.
Police Chief Bob Day Day echoed the concern, stressing the human toll of the incident.
“Every time that we’ve spoken about critical incidents here in town, we always emphasize the sanctity of life, and that is certainly paramount for me tonight,” Day said, according to KGW-TV. “Thinking of them, their families, thinking of the organization as a whole.”
Day declined to say whether the officers returned fire.
