Friends and Donald Trump Mourn Death of Right-Wing Supporter Shot in Portland

PORTLAND, KOMPAS.com - President Donald Trump mourned the loss of a right-wing supporter Aaron “Jay” Danielson who was shot dead on a Portland street.

The 39-year-old whom his friends and the US President said was the victim of mob violence, was shot in the chest Saturday night.

Danielson and a friend were seen heading downtown to protect a flag-waving caravan of Trump supporters.

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The individuals wore hats with the insignia of Patriot Prayer, a group that has clashed with left-wing protesters in Portland for years.

Danielson and his friend also appeared armed with knives and paintball guns.

Since the tragic event, an online fundraising effort has been initiated raising tens of thousands of dollars in his memory.

“Paint is a defensive mechanism. Paint is not bullets,” Trump said during his White House briefing Monday, adding that someone connected with violent protests “shot a young gentleman and killed him. Not with paint but with a bullet.”

In cellphone video of the shooting, both Danielson and his assailant were seen on a darkened street.

At least three shots rang out in a smoky haze, followed by images of Danielson crumpled on the ground as the friend, Chandler Pappas, slaps him in the face and rolls him over, yelling “Jay! Jay!”