A joint resolution from Oregon’s congressional delegation is calling on Congress to honor the victims of the May 26 MAX train attack in Portland and support local and national efforts to combat bigotry.
“The attack last Friday was a profoundly moving national event, and it deserves national attention,” U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), whose district covers the eastern portion of Portland, said on June 2.
The resolution, to be introduced Tuesday when the House comes into session, also calls for Congress to officially condemn the attack and states the two individuals killed and one injured were “standing up to hate and intolerance” when targeted.
“This is about being able to commemorate the heroes, help the community heal, and also allow for some introspection and broader discussion,” said Blumenauer, who began organizing and working with the rest of the state’s delegation on the resolution last weekend.
The May 26 attack sent shockwaves through Portland and launched the city into national news. The assailant was targeting two girls, one of whom was wearing a hijab, before stabbing three men who intervened—sparking discussion in the event’s aftermath on combating racist and islamophobic violence.
The resolution is a bipartisan effort and will be introduced by, along with Blumenauer, fellow Democrats Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, Reps. Suzanne Bonamici, Peter DeFazio and Kurt Schrader, as well as Republican Greg Walden.
Merkley said the resolution is a way for national leaders to highlight that “the spirit of these good Samaritans is stronger than evil.”
Bonamici, whose district covers Portland’s western portion, said she hopes the resolution can also “offer a measure of solace to [the] grieving families.”
Flags at all Oregon public institutions will be lowered to half-staff through Monday to honor the victims of the attack.
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