A man suspected of fatally shooting a right-wing activist during protests in Portland, Oregon, has been shot dead by police. Michael Reinoehl, 48, a self-described antifa supporter, was killed during a confrontation with officers in Lacey, Washington, on Thursday.
Reinoehl had admitted to shooting Aaron Danielson, a supporter of the Patriot Prayer group, during clashes last Saturday. He claimed he acted in self-defence, telling Vice News he believed he and a friend were about to be stabbed. Danielson was part of a large convoy of Trump supporters who clashed with Black Lives Matter protesters in Portland.
Police said Reinoehl was armed and was shot after a confrontation. Thurston County Sheriff's Lieutenant Ray Brady stated that shots were fired into the suspect's vehicle, after which he fled and additional shots were fired. A warrant for Reinoehl's arrest had been issued earlier on Thursday.
Reinoehl was a regular participant in Portland's anti-racism demonstrations and described himself as an army veteran and professional snowboarder. He had previous charges including carrying a loaded gun in public and driving under the influence.
Following the shooting, several hundred protesters gathered in Portland, with signs accusing police of murder. The city has seen nightly Black Lives Matter protests since the killing of George Floyd in May.
