PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Members of the Portland State University Student Union, currently occupying the front of the campus security office, vow not to leave until 3 demands are met: disarming PSU campus police immediately, firing the officers involved in the fatal shooting of Jason Washington, and placing a permanent memorial to Jason Washington on the PSU campus.
PSU campus police began carrying firearms in 2015 after a lengthy process for approval. The student union now calls that decision “undemocratic, irresponsible, violent and racist.”
They will hold a press conference at noon to expand on their demands.
On Monday, protesters set up a tent in the area outside the front door of the campus security office and said they will stay there around-the-clock. They’re calling for people to attend the PSU board meeting next week to show support for disarming the campus police.
The case
Jason Washington was shot and killed after witnesses said he was trying to break up a fight outside around 1:30 a.m. He was carrying a gun and had a concealed weapon permit. At one point, he lost his balance and fell — causing his gun to fall out of its holster, according to some witnesses.
The medical examiner’s report, which was released last week, said Washington died from multiple gunshots to his torso. He was hit in the chest, lower abdomen, thighs and back. Two of the gunshots grazed his head and lower back.
The gunshot wounds damaged his heart, aorta, lungs, liver, spleen, stomach and colon. Bullets also caused fractures of his collar bone and ribs.
Officer James Dewey and Officer Shawn McKenzie were later identified as the two officers involved.