A 27-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday in connection with a shooting over the weekend following an argument during a demonstration in downtown Portland, authorities said.
Skylor Noel Jernigan, of Milwaukie, Ore., Was arrested on suspicion of two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, menace, a reckless threat of another person and the firing of a firearm in the city, a press release said. Investigators seized a firearm that was believed to have been used in the shooting on August 15.
Authorities said several groups were gathering in the city to demonstrate near the Justice Center and in nearby parks. Over several hours, members of the groups began arguing and fighting.
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Skylor Noel Jernigan, 27, was arrested in connection with a shooting in downtown Portland on Saturday, police said.
(Sheriff’s Office of Multnomah County)
Sometimes they used paintball guns, mace and bear spacing against each other, police said. At one point, the groups moved away from one area when someone fired a gun during a confrontation.
It was not clear if anyone was injured.
“Tensions are running high in our city and it is important for everyone to know that PPB members are doing everything possible to prevent violence and criminal acts and to investigate incidents that have already occurred,” said Police Chief Chuck Lovell.
On Wednesday, Lovell also dealt with chaos that broke out hours earlier during a fire in the Multnomah building amid ongoing violence in the downtown area. He said the incident further demonstrated the intention of some “to engage in anarchy at the expense of the whole community”, while also praising his officers for their response.
“Morality is low because they are dealing with what appears to be endless destruction in the city, which they took an oath to serve and protect,” Lovell said. “I am supported by their grit and determination to do everything they can every night to avoid a worst-case scenario.”
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Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt also awaited the protesters.
“The people working in the Multnomah building serve a critical mission for the province’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic that continues to negatively impact marginalized communities,” he said. “Breaking out windows, setting fires and carrying out attacks will not bring the much-needed reform we need.”
