WSC on the Sentencing of Benjamin Jeffery Smith for Murder, Attack on Peaceful Protest in Portland

Benjamin Jeffery Smith, who killed one person and shot four others at a peaceful demonstration protesting racial violence in Portland last year, was sentenced to life in prison. 

In reaction to the ruling, Lindsay Schubiner, Director of Programs at Western States Center, a Portland-based organization working to strengthen inclusive democracy, issued this statement:

“The horrific shooting in Normandale Park last year was a devastating example of the rise in bigoted political violence in this country. While this conviction is a signal that bigoted and violent actors can and will be held accountable, we can, and must, do more.

“Bigoted violence is a core component of a white nationalist strategy to build political power and instill fear in communities. We’ve seen it before: in a Buffalo grocery store, a queer nightclub in Colorado Springs, and a Walmart in El Paso. We must also not underestimate the impact of violence against racial justice protesters in chilling free speech. 

“The convicted shooter has a long history of bigotry, including praise of the Proud Boys, sympathizing with Nazis, and animus toward the Black Lives Matter movement. The shooter’s escalation from racist rhetoric to violence should bring renewed urgency to efforts to bolster local institutions, including with federal resources, against these threats. 

“This has happened too many times in Portland and across the country. We call on elected officials at all levels of government to reject bigotry and work toward a future in which all people can participate in civic life and advocate for justice without fear of violence.”