UPDATE 4 - 2 injured in federal agent shooting in Portland: Police

ADDS REMARKS BY OREGON GOVERNOR, PORTLAND POLICE CHIEF

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US federal immigration enforcement agents shot two people in the state of Oregon on Thursday, according to local police.

Portland Police Officers confirmed that federal agents were involved in the shooting.

"At 2:24 p.m., officers received information that a man who had been shot was calling and requesting help in the area of Northeast 146th Avenue and East Burnside. Officers responded and found a male and female with apparent gunshot wounds," police said in a statement, which added that Portland Police were "not involved.”

Those injured were taken to the hospital in conditions that are unknown, according to police.

"We are still in the early stages of this incident," Chief Bob Day said in the statement. "We understand the heightened emotion and tension many are feeling in the wake of the shooting in Minneapolis, but I am asking the community to remain calm as we work to learn more," he added.

Day was referencing Renee Nicole Good, 37, who was shot dead Wednesday by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent during an enforcement operation in the state of Minnesota.

The FBI said it is conducting an investigation into the Portland shooting.

- 'Agent fired a defensive shot'

The Homeland Security Department said border patrol agents were conducting a targeted vehicle stop in Portland at 2.19 pm local time.

"The passenger of the vehicle and target is a Venezuelan illegal alien affiliated with the transnational Tren de Aragua prostitution ring and involved in a recent shooting in Portland. The vehicle driver is believed to be a member of the vicious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua," it said in a statement.

When agents identified themselves to the occupants, the driver allegedly “weaponized” the vehicle and attempted to run over law enforcement personnel.

"Fearing for his life and safety, an agent fired a defensive shot. The driver drove off with the passenger, fleeing the scene," it said.

Day later told reporters that the FBI is leading the federal investigation.

When asked about the conditions of the injured, Day said, "They haven't been identified or shared their identification with us, and I don't know this. I don't know the condition of them at this time, just know that they were taken to local hospitals."

He said officials do not know if it is an "immigration related" incident, and the cause is still unknown.

When asked if there was evidence to suggest the vehicle was "weaponized," he said officials “don't have any information on that."

- Demands for ICE to stop operations in Portland

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said Oregonians 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," Kotek told reporters.

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson condemned the shooting in the Hazelwood neighborhood, calling it “deeply troubling."

"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," said Wilson in a statement.

He demanded that ICE end all operations in Portland until a full investigation can be completed.

"We are calling on ICE to hold all operations in Portland until a full and independent investigation can take place. Our community deserves answers. Our community deserves accountability, and most of all, our community deserves peace," Wilson said.