A visit to one of Portland’s most renowned bookstores took a disturbing turn when a woman reported being spat on during her shopping trip. What should have been a pleasant outing at Powell’s Books quickly became a distressing experience.

The Portland Police Bureau is currently investigating the incident as a potential bias crime. The unsettling event occurred on a Sunday, within the confines of the bookstore’s café area, when a man allegedly approached the woman and spat on her, as per her account.

The shocking episode unfolded before the eyes of other patrons who were perusing the iconic store’s vast selection or enjoying a bite to eat in the café. The atmosphere of curiosity and relaxation was abruptly disrupted by the unexpected confrontation.

Kate, the victim, who chose to share only her first name, recounted the disturbing experience to KATU. She described the evening, saying, “It was Sunday night and my husband and I were shopping for books. I had just landed a new job, and I was looking to buy some books to help me excel in my role, along with a few holiday gifts.”

Police responded promptly to the report, and the investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident. The incident highlights the unsettling reality of bias crimes and the impact they have on individuals and communities.

‘It was Sunday night and my husband and I were shopping for books. I had just gotten a new job, so I was hoping to pick up some books to help me do well in my new job, and buy some holiday gifts,’ Kate explained.

‘I ordered a coffee, and I was waiting for my husband to arrive. I paid for the coffee and while I was waiting, I noticed some man was staring at me – watching me from the risers. I kind of ignored it at first. I thought, “Okay, whatever.” The café was really crowded – dozens of people, families. It was packed. 

‘I walked around the counter, and as I approached the pickup area, this man spat at me from about five feet away,’ Kate said. ‘It felt targeted, even though I don’t know who he is. For some reason, I was the chosen victim.

‘It was very intentional – forceful. It was a shocking amount of spit, and it traveled quite far. He was still about five feet away from me. I believe he was aiming for my face, but my head was turned and it landed in my hair. I was in complete shock, Kate said.

Police described the suspect as a 5ft 7ins, white male with light brown hair, a beard, who was wearing a stained white shirt and had a half-open black backpack with a bottle of wine in it.

Kate went on: ‘After that happened, the man continued staring directly at me, not breaking eye contact, repeatedly saying, “I have COVID.” To me, that was especially disturbing. COVID is not something to take lightly, and using it as a threat after degrading and menacing someone in front of dozens of people was just shocking.’

Investigators said details remain limited, but confirmed ‘the suspect could be facing a bias crime.’

The bookstore is a landmark in Portland drawing locals, tourists, families and students every day. 

Kate says she was also very disappointed how staff handled the incident.

‘Powell’s did nothing. There was no on-site security. No one to help de-escalate the situation or keep us safe. There seemed to be no protocol in place if he had pulled out a knife, a gun, or tried to physically harm us,’ Kate said. 

‘The employees shrugged it off as if things like that happen all the time – as if women can’t feel safe in bookstores. It was disgusting and dismaying to witness. 

‘I just want to feel safe to go to a book store. I’m shocked at how Powell’s responded. These employees are not quipped to handle anything like and don’t know what to do,’ Kate explained. 

‘It was super degrading – to spit on a woman, physically place yourself above her, and then spit on her in such an intentional way. And afterward to imply, “I just got you sick,” using COVID as a weapon, is deeply disgusting and not acceptable. 

Even when the man had left the bookstore, Kate and her husband still felt unsafe.

‘The man stormed out and as he left, he was threatening us with violence, saying he was going to hurt us. For a moment, we were worried he would come back with a weapon. 

‘What shocked me too was the bystander effect. There were over a dozen people—parents, families, children – and not a single person spoke up to help me,’ Kate said. 

In a statement, a spokesperson for Powell’s said staff moved quickly once the assault was reported.

‘We’ve completed an initial review of the incident, including video footage. Our Operations Officers responded within two minutes, the incident occurred at 4.39pm and the individual was escorted out by 4.41pm. without further incident,’ the spokesperson said.

Powell’s also confirmed the man has been ‘permanently excluded from Powell’s, consistent with our standard safety procedures.’

The company underscored the seriousness of the attack and its impact on both guests and employees.

‘We never want any customer to have an experience like this, and the safety of our guests and staff is of the utmost importance,’ the statement read.

Powell’s has also said video of the incident has been sent to Portland police. Daily Mail has also reached out to Powell’s for further comment.