‘Completely predictable’: the Portland shooting and fears of escalating extremism in America

The killing of June Knightly sent shockwaves through a city that has seen frequent protests, and raised fears of further violence

The shooting of a respected volunteer at a racial justice protest in Portland, Oregon, last weekend has roiled the activist community in the city, and raised fresh fears about vigilante violence" and escalating extremism in America.

Authorities on Tuesday filed murder charges against 43-year-old Benjamin Smith, who police say showed up to a protest against police violence on Saturday night, yelled at demonstrators to leave, and then shot at the group. He killed 60-year-old June Knightly and wounded four others, police say.