A Portland man assaulted and intimidated a federal employee outside the U.S. Courthouse that’s been a focal point in the monthslong rioting in Oregon’s largest city, according to criminal charges filed this week.
Dakota Kurtis Means, 20, began following an employee walking to work around 5:30 a.m. on Aug. 24, according to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Means was carrying a black paintball rifle and shouted: “It’s a paintball gun now, but it’s going to be an AR later.” The reference was apparently made to a rifle.
Means was arrested by U.S. Marshals Service deputies a short time later.
According to a charging document obtained by The Epoch Times, Means was charged with assault on a federal officer. The suspect “did forcibly assault, impede, and intimidate with Adult Victim 1 (AV1), a person designated as a federal employee,” the document states.
A public defender appointed for Means didn’t respond to a request for comment.
Assault of a federal officer is a misdemeanor. The charge can draw a jail sentence of up to one year in some cases, but up to eight years if the acts involve physical contact with a victim or the intent to commit another felony.
Means appeared in federal court the same day he was arrested and pleaded not guilty. He was ordered released to a residential re-entry center pending a one-day jury trial scheduled to begin on Oct. 27.
Conditions for the release included Means participate in a mental health evaluation at the direction of pretrial services. He is forbidden from owning, possessing, or controlling any firearms.
Correction: A previous version of this article mischaracterized the firearm referenced. The Epoch Times regrets the error.
