Last night there was a Trump-supporting rally of cars and trucks that drove through Portland, Oregon. There did appear to be some violence coming from both sides, but things remained relatively in check until it was reported that a man was targeted and basically executed by a gunman who ran off immediately thereafter. Despicably, leftist protesters on and offline were said to have been rejoicing over the man’s tragic death.
The picture in the cover photo is the man who was allegedly shot, reported to be Jay Bishop of Patriot prayer, which will update if the report changes. It is alleged that an Antifa militant shot him, and there is much speculation about who the suspect is. We won’t name him yet but it appears as though justice will come for him soon. Andy Ngo reported well on the situation this morning and last night:
The victim is also identified. I can confirm he was a participant in the pro-Trump caravan rally yesterday (though he was on foot when he was shot & killed). I won’t be naming him yet because I don’t know if his next of kin has been informed. #PortlandRiots
— Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) August 30, 2020
“I am not sad that a f—ing fascist died tonight,” says a woman at the antifa gathering in downtown Portland. The crowd laughs and cheers. The ID of the deceased is not confirmed but he is believed to be a Trump & blue lives supporter. #PortlandRiots pic.twitter.com/XV6471FSuF
— Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) August 30, 2020
A Trump supporter who participated in the Portland caravan rally was shot & killed in downtown Portland. Antifa & BLM extremists physically blocked them on the road & threw projectiles. After the man's death was known, antifa celebrated & danced. https://t.co/Pk3QpjMbeQ
— Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) August 30, 2020
The Chair of Multnomah County, Oregon put out a statement, and although she did say that loss of life is tragic and unacceptable, she appears to blame President Trump and his supporters for a Trump supporter being shot at point-blank range, apparently unprovoked. Her statement reads:
“August 30, 2020
Last night, an event that was clearly intended to intimidate, provoke and endanger individuals resulted in a fatality. The loss of life is tragic and unacceptable.
We are witnessing the self-perpetuating cycle of violence fueled by white supremacy. We cannot forget that the protests Portland has seen for more than 90 days began in response to the police killing of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man who was then the latest victim of a long and horrendous history of police brutality against Black people, itself a feature of the systemic racism that poisons our country.
While the overwhelming majority of protestors have engaged in non-violent demonstration to call for police accountability, racial justice and the dismantling of racist institutions, we have also seen instances of interpersonal violence, vandalism and destruction.
Then last night — stoked by a president who has gone out of his way to demonize this city and encourage vigilantism in service to white supremacy and his own fragile ego — armed participants of a pro-Trump caravan terrorized downtown Portland, driving their vehicles and shooting paintballs and pepper spray directly at community members and journalists. They came to create confrontation and were able to do so.
This tragedy will be used to justify escalating violence. It will be used to paint an entire movement with a broad and misleading brush. And sadly, it will be used by the occupant of the White House to deepen divisions and fear.
Those of us who believe in, and are working toward, a more just and equitable community must take an unequivocal stand against the violence that structural racism inflicts on Black and other people of color, against violence inflicted by police, and against violence between community members.
And the most effective way to do that is to stand for and build toward something better — to engage in the hard work of transforming the public safety system, ensuring equal opportunity and making tangible progress toward racial justice. Multnomah County is doing that work now, and we are wholly committed to the long-term work ahead.”
It seems outrageous to blame a group of people for one of their own being killed, especially since it appears at least to have been largely unprovoked, perhaps even an execution style killing. Will the media demonize his killer and make the victim a hero like they might do if the tables were turned? Unlikely. This is a developing and tragic story…
The Libertarian Republic reported in part about Joey Gibson, an alleged friend of last night’s victim:
On Saturday night, Joey Gibson of Patriot Prayer was surrounded and mobbed by ANTIFA on the streets of Portland.
This was shortly following the shooting death of a conservative activist who was with the Patriot Prayer Group.
After the shooting took place, ANTIFA members surrounded Gibson. They followed him and continued to assault him while he was attempting to leave.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler is expected to make a statement, which we can predict will likely include more bashing of President Trump (although we could be wrong) despite his offers to send in help to stop violence, rioting and looting in Portland, OR.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland’s mayor and police chief plan to address the deadly shooting that occurred Saturday at dueling demonstrations in downtown Portland.
One person died Saturday night after groups of pro-Trump protesters and counterdemonstrators clashed near SW 3rd and Alder, one witness told KOIN 6 News.
KOIN 6 News saw two men yelling and having an altercation near around 8:45 p.m. Someone sprayed mace and then someone pulled out a gun. KOIN 6 News heard shots fired and saw the wounded man lying on the ground.
Police confirmed just before 9:30 p.m. Saturday that the victim, who was shot in the chest, had died. According to the Associated Press, the shooting victim was wearing a hat bearing the insignia of Patriot Prayer, a right-wing group whose members have frequently clashed with protesters in Portland over the years.
