SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- An investigation has been launched into Thursday's shooting in Portland, U.S. state of Oregon, which injured two people and involved federal law enforcement agents.
According to the Portland Police Bureau, the incident occurred in an eastern neighborhood of the city and involved agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Responding officers found a man and a woman suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Both were transported to hospital for treatment, police said.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that Border Patrol agents were conducting a "targeted vehicle stop" involving one passenger identified as the enforcement target.
"When agents identified themselves to the vehicle occupants, the driver weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents," Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in the statement, adding that an agent then fired a "defensive shot," after which the driver fled the scene.
At a news conference Thursday evening, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek urged the federal government to ensure transparency in the investigation and to cooperate fully with Portland police and the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office to "rebuild trust with our nation's government."
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson also called on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to suspend all operations in the city until an independent investigation is concluded.
While acknowledging the federal government's account of the incident, Wilson said, "There was a time when we could take them at their word. That time is long past."
Portland Police Chief Bob Day said local authorities "do not know the facts of this case," and the investigation remains ongoing.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has also opened an investigation into the shooting. ■
