Portland has become a hotbed of hate since last year's presidential election, a fact that Mayor Ted Wheeler called "unconscionable" in a statement released Friday.
Thursday, men shouted racial slurs at a Southeast Portland middle schooler while he waited at the bus stop.
On Wednesday, the organizers of the multicultural festival Good in the Hood received a threatening note that falsely claimed President Trump signed an executive order calling for the death of all African Americans.
These incidents followed two weeks behind a tragedy felt deeply around the city and in the news nationwide. A man known for hate speech fatally stabbed two heroes and wounded another man on a MAX train after they tried to stop him from spewing hateful vitriol at two teenage women of color, one of whom was wearing a hijab.
"These times can be terrifying," Wheeler said. "I've spoken to many people who are scared."
This "troubling" spike in hate crimes, Wheeler said, is nothing new for Portland.
"The troubling fact is that these incidents are part of an historic and troubling pattern in Portland and across our state," Wheeler said.
The Southern Poverty Law Center counted more hate incidents in Oregon in the days after the election than any other state in America.
Wheeler said he's working with local school districts, the governor's office and local, state and federal law enforcement to investigate the recent hateful incidents and to "protect our residents who are living under threat."
He urged anyone who could assist in these investigations to contact the Portland Police Bureau.
"We have a tremendous opportunity to come together to ensure that everyone is welcome in our city, and we all live in safety and with dignity," Wheeler said. "Please, let's continue to stand up for one another."
--Jessica Floum
503-221-8306