Tina Kotek is the Democratic Governor of Oregon, having taken office in January 2023.
Case
A Border Patrol agent shot and wounded two unarmed Venezuelan nationals in a Portland hospital parking lot on January 8, 2026. DHS says the driver weaponized his truck; charges against both were later reduced, and a bullet-removal incident drew scrutiny.
Role at the time: Governor of Oregon
Statement summary
Governor Tina Kotek called the shooting a terrible, unnecessary violent event and attributed it to the Trump administration's federal immigration-enforcement agenda in Oregon.
“We are all shaken and outraged by another terrible, unnecessary violent event instigated by the reckless agenda of the Trump administration, this time in our own state, in our largest city.”
Kotek's statement condemns the shooting itself as unnecessary and violent, attributing responsibility to the federal enforcement operation rather than accepting the agent's self-defense account.
Statement dates: January 8, 2026
Statement dates: January 8, 2026
Statement dates: January 8, 2026
