PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland has made significant progress in reducing gun violence over the past several years, but federal prosecutors are warning that the city’s recent gains remain fragile and require continued investment in law enforcement and community-based prevention programs.
In a statement released Tuesday, U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford highlighted dramatic declines in shootings and homicides across the city while cautioning against viewing the improvements as evidence that the problem has been solved.
“Achieving a sustained reduction in gun violence requires persistence, accountability for gun offenders, and long-term community investment,” Bradford said.
According to data cited by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, shootings resulting in homicides have fallen from 30 year-to-date in 2022 to nine in 2026. Nonfatal shootings have also dropped sharply, declining from 453 incidents in 2022 to 171 this year.
While the reductions rank among the most significant seen in major U.S. cities in recent years, Bradford noted that Portland has not yet returned to the lower levels of gun violence experienced before the pandemic. He also pointed out that shootings have increased over the past month as the city enters the summer season, a period historically associated with higher rates of violence.
Bradford emphasized the human toll behind the statistics, noting that every shooting affects families and communities.
“These numbers represent far more than statistics—they are mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, and beloved friends and members of our community,” he said.
The U.S. attorney also shared a personal connection to the issue, revealing that a member of his own family was recently shot multiple times while visiting a Portland park with a small child. He described the incident as a reminder that significant challenges remain.
Bradford credited multiple agencies and organizations for the city’s recent progress, including the Portland Police Bureau’s Focused Intervention Team, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, community violence intervention programs, and partnerships among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
He said efforts to target violent repeat offenders while expanding prevention and intervention services have contributed to the decline in shootings.
“Every prevented shooting is a family spared unimaginable grief,” Bradford said. “Every life saved strengthens a neighborhood and restores confidence that meaningful public safety improvements are possible.”
Looking ahead, Bradford called for sustained funding for public safety initiatives, arguing that reducing resources for law enforcement, prosecutors, or violence prevention programs could reverse recent gains.
He pointed to testimony in a recent federal racketeering trial involving Hoover gang leaders, in which a gang member reportedly stated that the presence of police officers can deter shootings.
“We need more police officers. We need more prosecutors. And, we need effective community-based intervention programs,” Bradford said.
The statement comes as the Portland City Council and Multnomah County Board of Commissioners continue budget discussions that will shape funding levels for public safety agencies and violence prevention efforts.
Bradford described the coming weeks as critical, noting that summer months often bring an increase in gun violence and that budget decisions could influence whether recent progress continues.
“Portland is at a critical juncture,” he said. “The city’s story of gun violence can be a story of recovery, but only if our policymakers stay the course.”
He urged local leaders to ensure that police, prosecutors and community intervention programs have the staffing and resources needed to maintain momentum and protect residents.
“Portlanders deserve effective policing, vigorous prosecution of violent offenders, and strong services,” Bradford said. “They deserve immediate protection and long-term solutions.”
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