PORTLAND, Ore. — A car fire outside a Portland city commissioner's home Friday morning has prompted an arson investigation as detectives believe the fire may have been intentionally set.
On Friday morning around 1:30 a.m., fire crews responded to a car fire outside Commissioner Rene Gonzalez's home in the Eastmoreland neighborhood in Southeast Portland.
"A neighbor called my wife … could see that there was a fire in the vehicle and went outside and observed it and we immediately called 911," Gonzalez told KGW. "Fortunately, Portland fire was able to respond quickly and prevented spread to any other homes or vehicles."
No one was inside the car at the time, and no injuries were reported. The car, a white 2024 Honda Accord, belong to a family member of Gonzalez and was destroyed in the fire.
According to Portland police, information at the scene suggested the fire was intentionally set but they did not provide more details as to what that information was.
"Initial assessment from police is that they think it’s arson, and they believe it is targeted," Gonzalez said. "Obviously they’re gonna have to complete their investigation to clarify, but that’s their initial hypothesis."
Officers said no arrests have been made and a suspect description is not available. But Gonzalez seemed to have little doubt that he was targeted for his political stances.
"This is a democracy, and this is absolutely no way to air disagreement with elected officials' positions," he said. "I’m gonna be unbending in protecting the city of Portland. If you think that you can reach me by targeting my family or my household, you are dead wrong, and I’m going to see you with every inch of power that I have to assure justice comes to you."
Gonzalez said his home has previously been the target of protests and vandalism. He mentioned an incident on the night of his election victory when a group of demonstrators pushed dumpsters into the street outside of his campaign office.
"I think of level-headed folks," he said. "If they don’t stand up to extremists, this is exactly what happens in the city of Portland, and we have tolerated this behavior for way too long. We cannot tolerate it going forward."
Gonzalez released the following public statement:
"Thanks to the prompt response of Portland Fire & Rescue, the fire was unable to spread to any neighboring homes or vehicles. My neighborhood is filled with both families and seniors, and we must do everything in our power to protect them. I am grateful that nobody was physically harmed as a result of this incident.
"My family is deeply appreciative of the outpouring of concern today from neighbors and colleagues and the prompt response and assistance from Portland Police."
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt condemned the incident and said "acts of political violence and acts of political vandalism" will not be tolerated.
Schmidt shared a statement, which said in part, "Everybody is free to agree or disagree with me, the Commissioner, or any public servant or political candidate. But threats, vandalism, arson, violence, or any other form of illegal coercion will not be tolerated. If confirmed arson, we will find and prosecute those responsible for this act to the fullest extent of the law."
City commissioner Mingus Mapps' weighed in after police announced the arson investigation.
“I am horrified by the news that Commissioner Gonzalez’s car was set on fire last night in an act of arson," Mapps' said. "As elected officials, we should welcome debate and disagreement, but for someone to commit an act of political violence at Commissioner Gonzalez’s home is beyond unacceptable. I condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms, and I am hopeful police will quickly find the perpetrator."
The Portland Fire Investigations Unit is investigating the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact Portland Police Detective Meredith Hopper or call the tip line 503-823-3473 and reference Portland police case number PP24-9217 and Portland Fire & Rescue case number RP24-4159.
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