US Justice Dept. opens inquiry in fatal shooting of unarmed man by Portland officer

US Justice Dept. inquiry in Ore. fatal shooting

PORTLAND, Ore. — The U.S. Justice Department has opened a civil rights inquiry into the fatal shooting of an unarmed black man by a white police officer in Portland.

Aaron Campbell was shot in the back after emerging from an apartment with his hands over his head Jan. 29. He was reportedly distraught. The officer who opened fire has said he thought Campbell was reaching toward his waistband for a weapon.

U.S. Attorney Dwight Holton and Oregon’s FBI Special Agent in Charge Arthur Balizan announced the preliminary inquiry into the shooting on Thursday, saying it began earlier in the week. They say it’s routine in “an officer-involved shooting of this nature.”

Earlier Thursday, City Commissioner Dan Saltzman told a group of African American leaders that he would ask for such an investigation but didn’t expect it would show any violations of Campbell’s civil rights. Saltzman is the commissioner in charge of Portland police.

The shooting by Officer Ronald Frashour drew a march on City Hall earlier this week, as well as a visit from the Rev. Jesse Jackson.