Security Guard at Portland Jewish preschool shoots man after confrontation

A shooting incident involving an armed security guard occurred Wednesday outside a Jewish preschool in Southwest Portland, Oregon heightened concerns over the ongoing need for protective measures at Jewish institutions.

According to Portland police, officers responded to reports of a shooting near The Gan – Portland Jewish Preschool on the 6600 block of Southwest Capitol Highway. When they arrived, they found a man with gunshot wounds in the parking lot of the adjacent Fanno Medical Clinic. He was transported to the hospital and, as of Thursday, remains in recovery in the intensive care unit following surgery.

In a statement released by The Gan, school officials confirmed that the individual was shot by their private security guard after the man allegedly threatened and assaulted him. The preschool emphasized that the incident unfolded in an area immediately next to the school building and that the guard acted in defense using his licensed firearm.

"During this interaction, the individual presented a direct threat to the guard. In response, the guard was forced to take protective action," the preschool stated. "All children and staff remained safely secured inside the building throughout the incident."

The Gan underscored that the guard, like others employed at Jewish schools across the country, was hired as a proactive measure due to rising threats against the Jewish community. "Jews are only 2% of the U.S. population, yet are subject to approximately 65% of religious bias crimes," the statement noted. "The need to protect our most vulnerable populations is paramount."

KATU reported that authorities say there is no indication the preschool was specifically targeted or that the incident was motivated by antisemitism. However, the shooting has nonetheless reignited attention around security at Jewish schools and institutions. The preschool collaborates with national and local security experts, including the Secure Community Network and the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, to prepare staff through routine drills and safety protocols.

Police say the security officer involved is cooperating with the investigation, and no arrests have been made. However, officials have not ruled out the possibility of charges pending further interviews and evidence collection.

“We're trying to determine whether the person was armed or whether there was some kind of threat to the life of anyone else or the security guard,” said Portland Police spokesperson Sgt. Kevin Allen. “We still have to talk to witnesses and conduct a full interview with the security guard.”

The medical director of the Fanno Medical Clinic, Dr. Gregg Coodley, assisted the wounded man before emergency responders arrived. “He had a big bullet hole in what we call the left upper quadrant,” Coodley said, describing how he applied pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding.

Following the shooting, Southwest Vermont Street was temporarily closed between Southwest Capitol Highway and 24th Avenue. Parents were promptly notified, and children were gradually picked up throughout the day. According to police, there’s no indication that students saw or heard the shooting.

Despite the chaos, the preschool remained calm and followed established emergency protocols. “The Gan is so thankful that their guard is safe,” the statement continued. “Every day, his job is to stand and protect, knowing he might have to take action.”

The school concluded its statement with a prayerful hope for peace: “We pray for the day when the world will realize the vision of the prophets: ‘Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.’”