Portland mayor praises men killed during anti-Muslim rant

The mayor of Portland, Oregon, hailed as "heroes" two men who were stabbed to death trying to protect two women police say were the target of an anti-Muslim rant by a man on a light-rail train - a crime that shocked this city that prides itself on its tolerance.

Police said they'll examine what appears to be the extremist ideology of Jeremy Joseph Christian, 35, who is accused of killing the men Friday. Christian's social media postings indicate an affinity for Nazis and political violence.

The attack happened on the first day of Ramadan, the holiest time of the year for Muslims, and it sent shockwaves through Portland. A memorial where the stabbing occurred grew steadily yesterday and there were night time vigils.

"That people feel emboldened to come out and show their racism and bigotry in that way is horrifying to me. It's a gut check for everywhere - and absolutely for Portland," said Christopher Douglas, who stopped at the memorial. "Portland ... floats in a little bit of a bubble of its own liberal comfort and I think the reality is sinking in." Christian was being held in the Multnomah County Jail on suspicion of aggravated murder, attempted murder, intimidation and being a felon in possession of a weapon. He was arrested a short time after the attack.

He will make a first court appearance Tuesday, and it wasn't clear if he had an attorney. A phone at his home in Portland rang unanswered Saturday, and no one came to the door at his parents' home.

Police identified the victims as Ricky John Best, 53, of Happy Valley, Oregon, and Taliesin Myrddin Namkai Meche, 23, of Portland. Police say Best died at the scene and that Meche died at a hospital.

Meche's mother, Asha Deliverance of Ashland, Oregon, confirmed on Facebook that her son had been killed. She did not immediately return a call to her business phone listing or a message sent through social media.

"He was a hero and will remain a hero on the other side of the veil. Shining bright star I love you forever," she wrote.

Meche graduated last year from Reed College in Portland with a bachelor's degree in economics, the college said on its website. Mayor Ted Wheeler said at a news conference that Best was an Army veteran and a city employee.

"These two men died heroes as a result of a horrific act of racist violence."

Police say Micah David-Cole Fletcher, 21, of Portland was also stabbed in the attack and is in serious condition at a Portland hospital. Police say his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)