October 12, 2020
PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced that Malik Fard Muhamad is charged after a riot unfolded in downtown on Sunday evening.
“It is sickening to me to see the destruction that occurred in Portland overnight. The damage in the South Park Blocks, at the Oregon Historical Society and other businesses in downtown is inexcusable. For more than a century the Oregon Historical Society, its staff of researchers, educators and volunteers have documented, preserved and shared Oregon’s history. They have put a spotlight on white supremacy, racism, civil rights and social inequality. They have elevated the voices and stories of marginalized and underserved communities in Oregon. I am proud of the work OHS does each day to make our state’s history accessible to everyone. The vandalism that occurred overnight has no place in our community. This violence and property destruction is without purpose and justification. My office remains committed to prosecuting individuals who commit these types of crimes so we can protect public safety,” said District Attorney Mike Schmidt.
Muhamad, from Indiana, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm, one count of possession of a loaded firearm in public, one count of criminal mischief in the first degree and one count of riot.
According to court documents, on October 11, 2020, law enforcement monitored an unlawful assembly which law enforcement later declared a riot. During that time, police reported a group of people had smashed out windows at the Oregon Historical Society, Portland State University, Starbucks, Bank of America and other local businesses. Law enforcement observed Muhamad as one of the individuals in the group wearing all black with a few small unique identifying details such as red and grey gloves and carrying a shield.
Muhamad is accused of using a metal baton to smash out the windows at the Oregon Historical Society, Portland State University, and other businesses.
When police attempted to arrest Muhamad, he ran from them, according to court documents. Officers observed Muhamad in possession of a firearm. Eventually, police caught up with Muhamad and took him into custody. During the arrest, police located a pistol behind some barrels Muhamad used to hide behind. They also located a loaded pistol magazine in Muhamad’s pocket. The pistol magazine matched the pistol located behind the barrels, according to court documents.
As of October 12, 2020, the Oregon Historical Society reports the damage to its property to be more than $20,000, according to court documents.
Detectives assigned to the Portland Police Bureau have since learned Muhamad has been living in Washington and for the past few months has attended multiple protests in which violence occurred, according to court documents.
No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.
A charging document is only an accusation of a crime. Muhamad is innocent unless and until proven guilty.
#MCDA#
Media Contact:
Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office
Email: Brent.Weisberg@nullmcda.us