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Tag: Nathan Vasquez

  • Press Conference on Arrest of Arson Suspect in Portland City Councilor’s Home, Car – KXL

    Photo: Mult Co DA; PPB Chief, PF&R Chief

    PORTLAND, Ore. — Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez, Porltand Police Bureau Chief Bob Day and Portland Fire and Rescue Chief Lauren Johnson addressed the public in a joint press conference Tuesday afternoon regarding an arrest in the Portland City Councilor Candace Avalos case.  Her Portland town home and vehicle were badly burned on October 26th.  And there was some speculation that it could have been a targeted political attack.

    But, it was revealed that the arrest of the suspect in the case did not suggest that was the case.

    51-year-old Vashon Locust was arrested and charged with second-degree mischief and reckless burning.  Those are both misdemeanor crimes.

    Authorities say Locust is a homeless man who they believe had lit a fire to stay warm and it got out of control.

    Councilor Avalos had a statement read that said in part that she hoped Mr. Locust would be getting the mental health support he needs.

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    Brett Reckamp

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  • Multnomah Co. DA Not Investigating Uses Of Force By Feds – KXL

    A protester is sprayed by a Department of Homeland Security officer outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

    Portland, OR – Local and state officials have said federal agents may have violated the law in their uses of force to deal with crowds of protesters outside Portland’s ICE facility,  but they won’t be prosecuted by Multnomah County’s District Attorney. 

    “We’re not out investigating federal officers,” says D.A. Nathan Vasquez, “Have I seen things that have been concerning to me? Sure, I have.” He tells KXL his office has received numerous calls from concerned citizens about the actions of federal law enforcement. But he will not pursue charges.

    “The law prohibits us from really taking any action in state court,” says Vasquez, “The United States Constitution states that under the Supremacy Clause, that we cannot really prosecute a federal officer in state court.” He adds, “This is one where we have to look to the US Attorney’s office and they can certainly look into these things and work on it. But unfortunately, in state court, my hands are tied.” Listen to our full conversation with D.A. Vasquez in the podcast episode below.

    Responding to questions about agents’ use of force against protesters in Portland and other cities, House Speaker Mike Johnson said earlier this week he has not seen any actions that “cross the line, yet.” 

    Vasquez says protesters and counter-protesters accused of crimes will face prosecution. “I’ve said from day one: left, right or center, ideology does not matter. The only question is ‘can I prove that a crime occurred?’ and, can I take that to court?” Of the around 50 arrests by Portland Police outside the ICE building since June, Vasquez says 85-90%  have been formally charged. “The misdemeanors get charged on information. The felonies go before a grand jury; and then if there’s sufficient evidence, then an indictment is issued at that point.”

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    Heather Roberts

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