PORTLAND, Ore. — A viral video circulating on social media late last night has captured a woman firing what is believed to be a high-powered BB gun into a group of conservative protesters during a tense confrontation in downtown Portland. The footage shows the unidentified woman brandishing a handgun-style weapon and discharging multiple rounds toward the demonstrators.
While the weapon appears to be a non-lethal air-powered device, the incident resulted in physical harm, with at least one protester reporting being struck in both the arm and the face by the projectiles. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as protesters scrambled for cover, unsure initially if they were facing live ammunition. Video posted on social media showed the woman repeatedly circling the block yelling at the protesters before the shooting, and at one point, gets out of her car and assults a man recording with a cell phone.
The confrontation comes amid a surge of political friction in the city, where clashes between various groups have become increasingly frequent.
If apprehended, the suspect could face severe prosecution under Oregon’s criminal code. Although the weapon is believed to be a BB gun, Oregon law (ORS 161.015) classifies such devices as “dangerous weapons” if they are used in a manner capable of causing serious physical injury. Because the projectiles reportedly struck a victim’s face and arm, prosecutors could seek a charge of Assault in the Second Degree (ORS 163.175). In Oregon, this is a Class B Felony that falls under Measure 11, carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 70 months—nearly six years—in prison with no possibility of early release or parole.
Additionally, the suspect may face charges for the Unlawful Use of a Weapon (ORS 166.220), a Class C Felony that applies to anyone who intentionally discharges a weapon, including air rifles, at or in the direction of another person within city limits. This charge alone is punishable by up to five years in prison. Depending on the intent and the level of risk created, the state could also pursue a charge of Recklessly Endangering Another Person (ORS 163.195), a Class A Misdemeanor carrying up to one year in jail. The final distinction between a misdemeanor and a lengthy Measure 11 prison sentence will likely depend on the severity of the victim’s injuries and the evidence of intent gathered by investigators.
Citizen Stringer has reached out to the Portland Police Bureau for comment regarding the suspect’s identity and any potential arrests.
