May 27, 2017
On May 26, 2017 there was a brutal attack on the Portland Max, near the Hollywood station by a known white supremacist. We encourage people to stand up to hate speech, but in this case it turned fatal. Jeremy Christian was verbally assaulting two women on the train he believed to be Muslim. Three people who tried to get him to stop were stabbed by Christian. Ricky John Best, 53, died at the scene and Taliesin Myrddin Namkai Meche, 23, died later in the hospital.. Christian is in custody.
Here is one of the media accounts of the incident.
Police: 2 killed in MAX train stabbing after suspect bullies Muslim women
(Photo by Katherine Cook)
The women who were the initial targets of the attack fled the train and the Portland Police are hoping to interview them. Chief Marshman made this plea.
Community colleagues,
By now I am sure you are aware of the incident on the MAX train where two people were killed. Portland Police has the suspect in custody.
We are continuing to investigate this terrible crime and will get information to the public as soon as we are able to do so.
Preliminary information is that the suspect was yelling various types of hate speech to many passengers on the train.
We are looking for two young women, possibly teenagers, who were on the train. We believe these two young women are witnesses to this crime. One was possibly wearing a hijab.
With Ramadan beginning this evening, please know that the Portland Police Bureau stands by your side and will have extra police patrols for you.
Thank you,
Mike Marshman, Chief of Police
Both Commissioner Chloe Eudaly and Mayor Ted Wheeler have condemned the incident. There is a vigil planned for tonight at the Hollywood Max Center at 6:30.
We know that attacks on Muslims have increased, and have spiked since the bombing in Manchester, England. It is important for us to stand with the victims and against this type of terrorism in our communities. All people should feel safe, no matter what their faith is.
Oregon Coalition Against Hate Crime 