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News Release
Statement from District Attorney Mike Schmidt on deadly police shooting, riot in downtown Portland - 04/17/21

 

April 17, 2021

Statement from District Attorney Mike Schmidt on deadly police shooting, riot in downtown Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt released the following statement regarding the April 16, 2021 police involved shooting that resulted in a fatality and the criminal riot that occurred Friday night in downtown Portland.

“We are in the very early stages of a rigorous and professional criminal investigation. An officer’s use of deadly force is likely the most critical and dangerous decision they will make in their career as a public servant. As a community—we are hurt and vulnerable right now. I am sensitive to the community’s concern about yesterday’s deadly police shooting and the calls for answers and reform. Our investigation needs to be methodical and consistent. We will not be rushed in our decisions. All legally admissible evidence must be gathered and reviewed. It is expected that this case will be presented to a grand jury to determine whether the use of deadly force was a legal act of self defense and/or self defense of others. We remain committed to an open and transparent process. Our objective is to seek answers.” 

“The deliberate and criminal actions of individuals rioting in downtown Portland on Friday night significantly endangered life and property. It is unacceptable. This destruction does not align with community values and has no legitimacy. It is harming our city, county and state. There are multiple criminal investigations underway to identify those responsible for last night's criminality. To support these investigations and to further our criminal prosecutions, I am asking business and property owners to review their video security systems and to provide law enforcement with copies of any relevant material. I also want to thank the community members who volunteered their time this morning to help clean up downtown—that is the Portland and Multnomah County I am proud of."

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office will review the criminal cases from Friday night’s riot when they are referred to our office from law enforcement. At this time, no court dates have been set for any of the three individuals arrested by the Portland Police Bureau.

With regard to the deadly police shooting, the interview of the officer who used deadly force is expected to happen within 48 hours of the shooting.

The Portland Police Bureau may release additional information about Friday’s shooting when appropriate.

The criminal investigation into Friday’s deadly police shooting is being conducted by the Portland Police Bureau with the assistance of the East Multnomah County Major Crimes Team.

The East Multnomah County Major Crimes Team is comprised of individuals selected from participating law enforcement agencies. Each jurisdiction has at least two primary team members in addition to several alternate team members approved by the District Attorney’s Office. It is the responsibility of the lead investigative agency to ensure that a comprehensive investigation is conducted and that all police reports are submitted to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office for independent review and prosecution consideration.

No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time.

 

#MCDA#


Media Contact:

Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office

Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

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