If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you probably remember the headlines: a night of activism in Portland’s Normandale Park ended in gunfire. On February 19, 2022, the Normandale Park shooting shocked Portland and the nation. Benjamin Jeffrey Smith opened fire on racial justice demonstrators, killing June “T-Rex” Knightly and leaving another known as Deg, gravely injured. In this episode, we take you through the timeline of events that night, the background of the man responsible, and the grassroots work of organizers who were there to keep people safe. 

Portland has seen its share of protest, resilience, and tragedy but this isn’t just a crime story — it’s a story about neighbors, about people stepping up when institutions fall short, and about how tragedy can strike even in spaces meant to protect and empower.

From Forensic Architecture’s powerful reconstructions to the behind-the-scenes support teams who show up for Portland’s movements, Part 1 unpacks the early pieces of a story that continues to haunt the city. This is not just about a shooting — it’s about the systems, tensions, and resilience that defined that night – but not the community.  

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