Two individuals were hospitalised after being shot by US federal agents outside a hospital in Portland, Oregon, on Thursday. The incident occurred just one day after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis, sparking fresh controversy over federal law enforcement tactics.
Details of the Portland Shooting
The Portland Police Bureau confirmed the shooting in a statement, noting the victims' conditions were unknown at the time. Sources later informed The Oregonian that one person was shot in the leg and another in the chest.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that US Border Patrol agents had stopped a vehicle to search for a man suspected of being an undocumented immigrant with alleged ties to a Venezuelan gang. Agents claimed they opened fire when the driver attempted to run them over.
Local and Political Backlash
Portland's Mayor, Keith Wilson, responded with sharp criticism, declaring, "We know what the federal government says happened here. There was a time when we could take them at their word. That time is long past." He has called for ICE to suspend all operations in the city pending a full investigation.
The shooting in Minneapolis of Renee Nicole Good has further inflamed tensions. Some Democratic lawmakers are now threatening to use the next government funding deadline as leverage to impose stricter controls on ICE. The Guardian has separately debunked false claims circulating online about Good's killing.
Trump on Presidential Power and Foreign Policy
In a separate development, former President Donald Trump made striking comments in an interview with the New York Times. When asked about the limits of presidential power, he replied, "Yeah, there is one thing. My own morality. My own mind. It's the only thing that can stop me."
He added, "I don't need international law. I'm not looking to hurt people." Pressed on whether his administration needed to follow international law, he conceded "I do" but qualified it by saying, "It depends on what your definition of international law is."
On foreign affairs, Trump stated he would be "running Venezuela" for "much longer" than a year and suggested obtaining Greenland "may be a choice" against preserving the NATO alliance.
He also announced plans to meet Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado next week, a shift from previous dismissals of her influence. In the same interview, he threatened land strikes against drug cartels in Latin America, a move that would mark a significant military escalation.
Other Key News Developments
The news day was marked by several other significant events:
- Gaza's civil defence agency reported at least 13 people, including five children, were killed in Israeli attacks on Thursday, despite an ongoing ceasefire.
- The US House passed legislation to reinstate Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, with 17 Republicans breaking ranks to vote with Democrats.
- Scientists announced a breakthrough in "rejuvenating" human eggs, which could transform IVF success rates for older women.
- Iran experienced a nationwide internet blackout amid spreading protests over economic conditions.
In cultural news, South Korean director Park Chan-wook discussed his latest film and the threat of AI to cinema, while country music legend Emmylou Harris reflected on her unlikely career. A UN climate official labelled Trump's withdrawal from key climate treaties a "colossal own goal," and a study found that "gifted learner dogs" can learn words by eavesdropping on conversations.
