Portland park shooter in court for sentencing

PORTLAND, Ore. (KGW) — The man convicted of firing into a group of Black Lives Matter demonstrators at Portland’s Normandale Park last year, killing one and wounding four others, returns to court Tuesday for sentencing.

In March, Benjamin Smith pleaded guilty on nine counts, including second-degree murder and multiple counts of attempted murder.

Smith opened fire at a group of Black Lives Matter supporters who were gathered for a protest and march at the park near Northeast Halsey Street and 57th Avenue on Feb. 19, 2022.

Witnesses said that Smith, who lived across the street from the park, first harassed the group of demonstrators and yelled at them to leave. Members of the group told Smith to leave them alone and go home. Smith then drew a gun and fired shots at the group, court documents said.

After Smith opened fire, an armed protester shot back — wounding and incapacitating the gunman.

But Smith had already shot five people, including 60-year-old June Knightly, known to fellow demonstrators as “T-Rex.” Knightly had been there to help with traffic control for the march. She was shot in the head at close range and died at the scene, according to court documents.