Who is Malik Muhammed? Portland firebomber, 24, who hurled molotov cocktails at cops held for murder attempt
INIDANAPOLIS, INDIANA: A man suspected of multiple firebomb attacks on Portland police officers in 2020, allegedly hurling Molotov cocktails during violent protests was arrested last week in Indiana, authorities confirmed on Monday, April 5.
Malik Muhammed, 24, was brought into police custody in Indianapolis on multiple warrants, the Portland Police Bureau said. He is charged with attempted aggravated murder (two counts), attempted assault in the first degree (two counts), attempted murder in the first degree (four counts), attempted murder in the second degree (two counts), criminal mischief in the first degree (six counts), riot (four counts), unlawful manufacture of a destructive device (two counts), unlawful possession of a destructive device (two counts), unlawful possession of a firearm (one count), unlawful possession of a loaded firearm (one count) and unlawful use of a weapon (two counts).
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"I am grateful to the investigators who spent many hours over the last few months following up these violent attacks against police officers and the community," Police Bureau Chief Chuck Lovell said in a statement. "I am also grateful to the brave officers who put themselves in harm's way serving this community. More investigations are underway. Anyone who thinks they can get away with trying to murder police officers and destroy this city should think again."
"Law enforcement searched Muhammed’s cellphone and located a shopping list that included common ingredients used to make a Molotov cocktail, according to court documents," the DA's office said on Monday.
Police stated that Muhammed tossed an inflammatory device that didn't explode at police officers on September 21, 2020, at the Penumbra Kelly Building, which houses some Portland Police and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office operations. On September 23, 2020, he allegedly threw a firebomb that burned the uniform of a police officer. The close call came after Kentucky prosecutors chose not to charge Louisville police officers in connection with the death of Breonna Taylor. Investigators traced the bottle back to a store where Muhammad was recorded on video purchasing "a large amount of bats and multiple beer growlers including two that were yellow in color." The DA's office says that one officer's leg briefly caught fire
Muhammed's actions were responsible for tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage to windows in downtown Portland, including at the Historical Portland Society, during an October 11, 2020, attack, police said. Court documents allege that Muhammed engaged in "tumultuous and violent conduct" the Portland Police Bureau's East Precinct, the District Attorney's Office said.
Muhammed is being held in Indiana pending an extradition hearing.