PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Three days after the deadly confrontation, both the suspect and the victim in the Normandale Park shooting have been identified.
Portland police confirmed 43-year-old Benjamin Smith is the suspect in Saturday’s shooting, which left 60-year-old Brandy Knightly, also known as June, dead and five others wounded.
Knightly was determined to have died from a gunshot wound, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Smith is reportedly hospitalized with serious injuries after being shot in a confrontation with protestors.
PPB Lt. Nathan Sheppard confirmed on Sunday the shooting near NE 55th and Hassalo began as a confrontation between an armed resident and armed protesters who were there. According to social media flyers, the protestors were demanding “justice for Amir Locke and Daunte Wright.” Others were there for Patrick Kimmons.
Late Monday night, a search warrant was served at Smith’s home. According to the warrant, police were looking for guns and ammunition in his apartment. Smith faces nine charges, including second degree murder and first and second degree assault.
According to police, critical evidence was taken from the scene before officers could investigate.
Authorities won’t say if they have recovered the weapon used to shoot Smith.
KOIN 6 also reached out to Smith’s relatives who say they don’t want to comment but are reported to have said Smith was angry about Black Lives Matter demonstrations in his neighborhood.
Editors note: Portland police initially described the shooter as a homeowner; however, the house’s landlord told KOIN 6 News Smith is a renter. Portland police adjusted their reference to the suspected shooter Tuesday morning, calling Smith a resident.