Jett Avery Thomas, Assaulting a Federal Officer, Oregon 2023

Portland Man Charged with Assaulting a Federal Officer

A shocking display of violence unfolded at Pioneer Federal Courthouse in downtown Portland on July 3, 2023, resulting in federal charges against Jett Avery Thomas, a 39-year-old Portland resident.

According to court documents, Thomas threw an object at the courthouse, prompting a court security officer to intervene. The situation rapidly escalated as Thomas charged up the front steps, forcing the officer to retreat into the courthouse.

Undeterred, Thomas grabbed the door, forcing it open, and assaulted the officer. The struggle continued outside the door, with Thomas striking the officer with a hard object and placing him in a chokehold. The officer, in a desperate bid to protect himself, accessed his service weapon and fired two shots into Thomas' torso.

Thomas was apprehended, provided first aid, and transported to a local hospital where he underwent surgery for his injuries. The officer was also transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for his injuries and later released.

Thomas will make his first appearance in federal court at a later date. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

The case was investigated by the FBI and U.S. Marshals Service, with assistance from the Federal Protective Service and Portland Police Bureau. It is being prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-or/pr/portland-man-charged-assaulting-federal-officer