PORTLAND, Ore. — Two people were injured in a shooting involving a federal agent in Portland, Ore., on Jan. 8, according to authorities.
The Department of Homeland Security said the shooting occurred while Border Patrol agents were conducting a “targeted” stop on a vehicle carrying two people allegedly affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang. The passenger was the target, DHS said.
“When agents identified themselves to the vehicle occupants, the driver weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents,” DHS said in a statement.
An agent fired a defensive shot and the driver drove off with the passenger, according to DHS, which called the situation “evolving.”
The shooting incident occurred at 2:19 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, DHS said.
Portland police officers responding to a call for help found a man and woman with “apparent gunshot wounds,” according to the police department.
“Officers confirmed that federal agents had been involved in a shooting,” the Portland Police Department said in a statement, adding, “Portland Police were not involved in the incident.”
Police officers applied a tourniquet and called for emergency medical personnel, and the two shooting victims were transported to a hospital, police said. Their conditions are unknown.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said he was opening an investigation into the shooting.
In a social media post, Rayfield said the Oregon Department of Justice investigation will examine whether any federal officers acted outside the scope of their lawful authority during the encounter. The post said the investigation would include witness interviews and video evidence.
The shooting occurred some 3 miles away from where the victims were found, on the 10200 block of Southeast Main Street near Adventist Health, a medical office, according to Portland police. The victims then drove themselves to an apartment complex in the area of Northeast 146th Avenue and East Burnside Street, where the man who had been shot called for help, according to police.
Police Chief Bob Day urged calm amid “heightened emotion” following a deadly ICE officer-involved shooting in Minneapolis on Jan. 7.
“We are still in the early stages of this incident,” Day said in a 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.”
During the press conference, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek called for transparency from the federal government in the investigation.
“The priority right now is a full, completed investigation, not more detentions,” she said. “My message to the federal government is this: We demand transparency. We demand your cooperation with Portland Police and the Multnomah County DA, because we need to investigate this incident efficiently and effectively so we can rebuild trust with our nation’s government.”
Earlier, PortlandMayor Keith Wilson called the incident “deeply troubling” while also calling on residents to “show up with calm and purpose during this difficult time.”
“Portland does not respond to violence with violence,” he said in a statement. “We respond with clarity, unity, and a commitment to justice. We must stand together to protect Portland.”
