Dakota Kurtis Means, Forcibly Assaulting, Intimidating, Oregon 2020

PORTLAND, Ore. – Dakota Kurtis Means, 20, of Portland, is facing federal charges after allegedly terrorizing a federal employee walking to work near the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse on August 24, 2020. The incident, detailed in court documents, paints a picture of escalating intimidation that prompted a swift response from U.S. Marshals.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon, led by Billy J. Williams, Means began following the employee around 5:30 a.m., unleashing a barrage of obscenities. He was carrying what appeared to be a black paintball rifle, but the threat quickly turned darker. Means reportedly shouted, “it’s a paintball gun now, but it’s going to be an AR later,” a clear reference to an AR-15 assault rifle.

The chilling statement didn’t remain a mere threat for long. U.S. Marshals Service deputies, responding to the unfolding situation, quickly apprehended Means near the courthouse. The arrest came just moments after the alleged verbal assault, preventing any potential escalation. The courthouse, a frequent site of protests, has become a focal point for federal law enforcement in recent years.

Means made his initial appearance in federal court on August 24, 2020, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He entered a plea of not guilty and was subsequently released to a residential re-entry center while awaiting trial. A one-day jury trial is currently scheduled to begin on October 27, 2020, giving the prosecution just weeks to build their case.

If convicted of forcibly assaulting, impeding, and intimidating a federal employee – a Class A misdemeanor – Means faces up to one year in federal prison. The charge stems from his alleged actions while the employee was engaged in their official duties. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is handling the prosecution, with the investigation spearheaded by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Federal Protective Service.

It’s crucial to remember that a criminal information is merely an accusation. Means is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the details of this case are deeply troubling, raising serious concerns about the safety of federal employees and the escalating rhetoric surrounding public spaces. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds.

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