Portland Central Library to remain closed through Fourth of July after fatal shooting

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Multnomah County Library says its downtown Portland location will remain closed through the Fourth of July.

Central Library closed Tuesday after the shooting near SW 10th Avenue and Yamhill Street. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the victim was pronounced dead.

The suspect, identified as Hassan M. Muse, 26, faces charges including second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon.

During his arraignment in court Wednesday afternoon, he declared himself a “sovereign political power holder” incapable of being charged with murder.

Officials with the library and Multnomah County are offering trauma-related services to staff members who witnessed the incident. They are also working on a review of their security protocols and response procedures.

“When the worst kind of tragedy happens near a library, it has profound effects on all of us,” said Director of Libraries Annie Lewis. “Our library is dedicated to working with our elected leaders and partners to make our library spaces as safe and welcoming as they can be.” 

In the meantime, security and camera surveillance monitoring have increased at Central Library.

The shooting marks the 18th homicide in the city this year, a decline from the 35 homicides reported by Portland police this time last year.