University Responds to FBI Investigation Involving Alumni
Reed College, located in Portland, Oregon, announced on Tuesday that it has temporarily reassigned some senior staff while cooperating with the FBI regarding alumni implicated in violent actions at immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) facilities.
The college is examining the activities of its Community Safety Director after media reports indicated his involvement in identifying Robert Hoops, who faces serious charges. According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), Hoops allegedly participated in a riot on June 14, where he threw rocks and planned to use a stop sign as a weapon against federal agents outside an ICE facility in Portland.
The Community Safety Director stated, “We have shared information about this alumnus with federal law enforcement.” Reed College has established protocols for such situations and is currently investigating the implications of this behavior on the community, while emphasizing the importance of privacy and rights for all individuals associated with the institution.
Statements from Granger, the director in question, have been absent as he has not responded to inquiries from the Daily Call News Foundation. His LinkedIn profile shows he has held the director position since June 2010. In his absence, two proxy directors have stepped in, although the media team at Reed College did not reply to requests for further comments.
The FBI reportedly utilized facial recognition technology along with public records and notable tattoos to identify Hoops, who had been wearing a gas mask during the riot. Following a request from the FBI, Granger provided them with Hoops’ full name and contact information.
Hoops was arrested on Friday and made a court appearance on Monday, facing felony charges for aggravated assault against a federal officer and other serious offenses, according to the DOJ. Hoops’ father has publicly characterized him as a “lifelong Quaker committed to pacifism,” which adds a layer of complexity to the situation.
The DOJ has charged 23 individuals connected to protests at ICE facilities in Portland, following increased deportation actions under the Trump administration. Despite legal objections from the DOJ, a judge released Hoops and another suspect, which stirred some controversy.
“We recognize that these recent events can be concerning, and we want to assure everyone that the university is taking this matter seriously,” stated President Birger, referencing Granger’s cooperation with the FBI.
The FBI’s Portland office has refrained from providing comments on this matter.
