NEW — This was one of the most uncomfortable press conferences you’ll ever see.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day visibly broke down after reluctantly admitting that the people shot by U.S. Customs and Border Protection were connected to Tren de Aragua.
He openly said he considered keeping the information from the public.
Let that sink in.
Not because it wasn’t true.
Not because it wasn’t verified.
But because he didn’t want to risk accusations of “victim blaming.”
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From press conference:
Chief Bob Day: They do have some nexus to involvement with TDA. We can confirm that. And what I can say is there is an association with the two folks yesterday and TDA. I hesitated to even share this information initially because I'm very aware of the historic injustice of victim blaming, oftentimes portrayed by law enforcement, including this very agency that I've represented so proudly for so many years. And historically we have not been quick to disclose the potential criminal history of others. I want to speak for just a moment specifically to my Latino community.
[Pauses, takes out handkerchief, wipes eyes]
Chief Bob Day: It saddens me that we even have to qualify these remarks because I understand, or at least have attempted to understand through your voices, your concern, your fear, your anger. This information in no way is meant to disparage or to condone or support or agree with any of the actions that occurred yesterday.