Tragedy shines light on bigotry

POLICE say they will examine the possible extremist ideology of an Oregon man accused of fatally stabbing two men who tried to intervene when the suspect yelled racial slurs at two young women – who appeared to be Muslim – on a light-rail train in the US.

The attack in Portland on Friday happened on the first day of Ramadan, the holiest time of the year for Muslims, and sent shockwaves through a city that prides itself on its tolerance and liberal views.

A memorial where the stabbings occurred grew steadily on the weekend and a vigil was planned.

“That people feel emboldened to come out and show their racism and bigotry in that way is horrifying to me,” said Christopher Douglas, who stopped at the memorial.

“It’s a gut check for everywhere – and absolutely for Portland.

“Portland ... floats in a little bit of a bubble of its own liberal comfort and I think the reality is sinking in.”

Jeremy Joseph Christian, 35, was being held in the Multnomah County Jail on suspicion of aggravated murder, attempted murder, intimidation and being a felon in possession of a weapon.

He was arrested shortly after the attack on Friday and will make a first court appearance tomorrow. It wasn’t clear yesterday if he had a lawyer.

Police identified the victims as Ricky John Best, 53, of Happy Valley, Oregon, and Taliesin Myrddin Namkai Meche, 23, of Portland.

Police said Mr Best died at the scene and Mr Meche died in hospital.

Mr Meche’s mother, Asha Deliverance of Ashland, Oregon, confirmed on Facebook that her son had been killed.

“He was a hero and will remain a hero on the other side of the veil. Shining bright star I love you forever,” she wrote.

Mr Meche graduated last year from Reed College in Portland with a bachelor’s degree in economics, the college said on its website.

Mayor Ted Wheeler told reporters Mr Best was an army veteran and a city employee.

“Their actions were brave and selfless and should serve as an example, an inspiration to us all. They are heroes,” Mr Wheeler said.

Police said Micah DavidCole Fletcher, 21, of Portland was also stabbed in the attack.

The FBI said it was too early to say whether the attack qualified as a federal hate crime.

THAT PEOPLE FEEL EMBOLDENED TO COME OUT AND SHOW THEIR RACISM AND BIGOTRY IN THAT WAY IS HORRIFYING TO ME CHRISTOPHER DOUGLAS