The Portland Police Bureau has faced intense scrutiny following a mass shooting that occurred on February 19, 2022, at Normandale Park, where two individuals lost their lives and three others sustained injuries. Initially, police officials stated that the gunman had been confronted by "armed protesters" when he opened fire on unarmed traffic-safety volunteers. However, Police Chief Bob Day later acknowledged that this claim was inaccurate and expressed his apologies for the misinformation.
The police chief's admission came after a thorough review of video evidence recorded on a helmet-camera worn by one of the victims during the attack. This footage was subsequently used in court against the shooter, Ben Smith, who pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder in March 2023 and was sentenced to life in prison. Despite having access to this critical evidence, the police department failed to correct their misleading narrative about the incident, which continued to circulate on their official website even after detectives and prosecutors had reviewed the footage.
Chief Day stated, "We did not clarify that this was an unprovoked attack on an innocent group." He further emphasized the impact of the initial misinformation, saying, "We understand the harm this error caused, and for that we are deeply sorry." This acknowledgment marked a significant moment for the families and survivors affected by the shooting, who felt their reputations were unfairly tarnished by the police's early statements.
The mass shooting claimed the lives of June Knightly and Deg, with Deg tragically left quadriplegic and passing away in July 2024 after choosing to discontinue her ventilator support. The traffic-safety volunteers, who were targeted by the gunman, were not armed and were attempting to diffuse a potentially dangerous situation when Smith opened fire.
Criticism of the police bureau's initial response extended beyond the inaccuracies in reporting. Survivors and their families condemned how the police's narrative compounded their trauma. The former mayor, Ted Wheeler, also faced backlash for his comments before the shooting, which some believed contributed to a hostile atmosphere in the community. Wheeler later met with Deg's mother before leaving office and committed to working alongside survivors and community organizations to create a permanent memorial for the victims.
In October 2023, the Portland Committee on Community-Engaged Policing (PCCEP) screened a Forensic Architecture reconstruction of the attack. This event aimed to provide clarity and context surrounding the tragic incident. However, many still feel that the police bureau's handling of this situation exacerbated the pain experienced by those directly affected.
Wheeler echoed concerns about the police’s early communication, stating, "I also recognize that incredible harm was compounded by the early reporting from the Portland Police Bureau and the failure to unequivocally correct the record." His remarks highlighted the ongoing need for accountability and transparency in law enforcement.