Are gangs to blame for Portland’s spike in gun violence? It’s not that simple
PORTLAND, Ore. — Record gun violence in Portland has some people wondering: Are these gang shootings? Police and community activists warn the problem is not that simple.
“There’s a lot of gun violence occurring in the city. A lot of people are armed and shootings happen for all different reasons,” explained Lt. Ken Duilio of the Portland Police Bureau.
Police estimate roughly half of the shootings in Portland are somehow connected to gangs. Another 25% are connected to crimes like robbery, road rage or domestic violence. The remaining 25% of Portland shootings involve disputes within the homeless community, which is relatively new. Across the board, gun violence in Portland is way up.