Trump condemns killing of pair who tried to stop racist rant

U.S. President Donald Trump condemned on May 29 the fatal stabbing of two good Samaritans trying to help a pair of young women targeted by an anti-Muslim tirade on a Portland, Oregon, light rail train.

"The violent attacks in Portland on Friday are unacceptable," Trump said on Twitter. "The victims were standing up to hate and intolerance. Our prayers are w/ them."

Taliesin Myrddin Namkai Meche, 23, and Ricky John Best, 53, were killed as they tried to stop Jeremy Joseph Christian from harassing the women, one of whom was wearing a hijab, authorities say. Another man who stepped in was seriously injured.

Christian's social media postings indicate an affinity for Nazis and political violence. He was charged with aggravated murder, intimidation - the state equivalent of a hate crime - and being a felon in possession of a weapon and was scheduled to be in court Tuesday.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said on May 29 that he hopes the men's actions inspire "changes in the political dialogue in this country."

He asked the federal government and organizers to cancel a "Trump Free Speech Rally" and other similar events set to be held in the city next weekend, saying the community is sad and angry and the rallies are inappropriate and could be dangerous.

He says his main concern is the participants are "coming to pedal a message of hatred," saying hate speech is not protected by the Constitution.

A Facebook page for the event says there would be speakers and live music in "one of the most liberal areas on the West Coast." It thanks Trump "for all you have done."

Some had called for the president to respond to the attack earlier, including former CBS broadcaster Dan Rather and U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, a...