Portland left-wing journalist convicted of synagogue, mosque vandalism could face more time in prison over attacks on trans inmate, staff

A Portland journalist who was convicted of a spree of attacks against Jewish and Muslim houses of worship and a black-owned business could be facing more time behind bars after a series of attacks he has allegedly undertaken while in prison.

Michael Edgar Bivins, 38, was found guilty in September of 2025 of 11 counts, including counts of arson, criminal mischief, and second-degree bias crime. At the time, a judge had accepted a five-year prison sentence recommended by the prosecution, which included time served, meaning he would only serve around one year, plus five years of supervised release.

Court documents obtained by KATU 2 have revealed that Multnomah County Parole and Probation Officer Joshua Sandberg is recommending an additional two years of prison time for Bivins related to his recent conduct in prison.

Sandberg said that Bivins had assaulted Food Service Coordinator in a state prison cafeteria on June 6 during breakfast. Bivins allegedly punched the staff member while he was talking with another inmate. Video captured Bivins continuing to punch the staff member after they had fallen to the ground.

The staff member was checked out at a hospital, and missed the remainder of the day of the attack and the following day of work. When asked about the assault, Bivins invoked his right to an attorney. He has been. indicted for assaulting a public safety officer.

There have been three misconduct reports against Bivins during his time in prison, which also include assaulting a transgender inmate on April 7.

Sandberg’s report also referenced comments allegedly made by Bivins to a Behavioral Health Services Manager in April regarding him returning to prison after his release. He allegedly said he plans on getting “revenge,” and made a number of racist and extremist comments referring to white supremacy.

Bivins was arrested and charged in May of 2022 following a series of attacks and vandalism on local houses of worship and black businesses. Two Jewish synagogues were vandalized, one of which was struck in two incidents, fire was set to a mosque, and a black-owned business was vandalized.

In May of 2023, he was ordered to the Oregon State Hospital after being found unfit to stand trial. He was eventually put to trial, where a jury in September of 2025 found him guilty. Bivins had worked with a number of left-wing papers, covering right-wing rallies and protests.