First update on officer-involved shooting

Dear campus community, 

I want to express my concern about the fatal officer-involved shooting early this morning. I know there are many questions about the incident, and we want to keep you informed as best we can. The Portland Police Bureau is responsible for investigating this incident, and the bureau posted a summary here: 

https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/news/read.cfm?id=169183

We are cooperating with the Portland Police Bureau’s investigation. Some of the questions we have been asked are about the conflicting reports from media outlets interviewing those who say they witnessed the incident. Portland Police investigators are interviewing witnesses, and those interviews are ongoing. Investigators have asked any witnesses with video of the incident to contact them. At this time, our focus is on fact gathering rather than speculation. 

Consistent with our policies, our two campus police officers involved in the incident are on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. 

This is the first officer-involved shooting at Portland State, and I have asked our Campus Public Safety Chief to conduct a thorough internal assessment and evaluation of this incident as well as our policies and procedures. 

We know that such incidents impact all of us in the PSU community. The Office of the Dean of Student Life and the Office of Human Resources offer support for students, faculty and staff. Here is a summary of resources available: 

https://www.pdx.edu/campus-safety/warnings-alerts-and-reports

Campus safety is our top priority at PSU. As you know, we are an urban campus, and that presents challenges. We work hard to provide an environment at PSU that is safe and welcoming.  

We will continue to work with the Portland Police Bureau to communicate developments in the investigation and keep you informed.  

Thank you,
Rahmat Shoureshi
President