Portland mayor blames Trump for protester killed

A man who was fatally shot after supporters of President Donald Trump clashed with left-wing protesters on streets of Portland, Oregon, was a supporter of right-wing group Patriot Prayer, its founder said Sunday.

Joey Gibson, head of group based in Washington state, told Associated Press man who was shot to death Saturday night was a "good friend," although he did t identify him.

On Sunday, President Donald Trump and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler blamed each or for violence.

Trump called Wheeler a "fool" on Twitter while Wheeler blamed Trump for creating such a toxic environment.

"It's you who have created hate and division," Democratic mayor said of Trump. "Your campaign of fear is as anti-democratic as anything you've done to create hate and vitriol in our beautiful country," he added.

Trump had earlier issued a flurry of tweets and retweets, including several blaming Wheeler for death and one in which president appeared to be encouraging his supporters to move into Portland.

"GREAT PATRIOTS!" Trump wrote as he shared video of his supporters driving into Portland to confront protesters.

Police issued a plea for any information related to killing, including videos, photos or eyewitness accounts. shooting happened about 15 minutes after a caravan of about 600 vehicles that were part of a pro-Trump rally left downtown.

It wasn't clear if shooting was related to clashes between Trump supporters and counterprotesters in Portland, which has become a flashpoint in national Black Lives Matter protests since George Floyd was killed in May and an increasing centerpiece in Trump's law-and-order re-election campaign me.

Police have t released any information about case but said y were aware of videos on social media that showed shooting.

Police Chief Chuck Lovell asked for anyone with information to come forward.

"A human being lost ir life last night, and it's critical that everyone refrain from conjecture and allow us to gar evidence and statements needed to hold person who did this responsible for this heius act," he said.