PORTLAND, Oregon — For the first time in 12 months, Portland is seeing a decline in murders and shootings. As of last month, there has been a 34% drop in those incidents. One community member said the decrease is the result of collaborative efforts to keep people safe. A city spokesperson echoed that sentiment, saying officials hope to continue this year’s progress into 2026.
Over the last two nights, Portland streets have still seen violence. The latest shooting occurred in the Hazelwood neighborhood, where one person was injured. On Sunday night, a person was shot and killed outside Voodoo Doughnuts in downtown Portland.
“Shootings are still happening, family members are still mourning, so we want to highlight that. While we have a small reprieve and the numbers are going down, that is not the championship. We still have a lot of work to do,” said Lionel Irving, director of Love Is Stronger, a nonprofit organization that works with Portland’s Black community to reduce gun and gang violence…