Left inset: Noureddine Dib (KGW). Right inset: Michael Zakarneh (GoFundMe). Background: Surveillance footage showing Noureddine Dib shooting Michael Zakarneh outside an Oregon school during student pick-up time (KGW/Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office).
In a tense and shocking incident at a school pickup area in Oregon, a father has been found guilty of attempted murder after shooting another parent amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions. Prosecutors revealed that the altercation occurred just minutes before their children were due to be dismissed, following a series of unpleasant confrontations between the two men.
Noureddine Dib, aged 43, issued a threatening warning to Michael Zakarneh, 49, saying, “If you don’t get the f— out of my face, I’ll have to show you something.” Moments later, Dib drew a firearm and shot Zakarneh in the parking lot of the Islamic School of Portland in 2024, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by local news outlet KGW.
Dib was found guilty by a Multnomah County jury on Tuesday after 12 hours of deliberation. Prosecutors said at a press conference announcing the conviction that the shooting stemmed from a “number of unfortunate, rude, or disrespectful, encounters” that the two fathers had with one another, including an incident several weeks prior to the shooting where Dib complained about Zakarneh’s driving in the school pickup and drop-off area.
Deputy District Attorney Eric Palmer described the scene to reporters, noting, “The shooting occurred in a small parking lot accessed by a narrow, residential street,” a setting ripe for conflict due to the congestion of drivers.
Palmer stated that on the day of the confrontation, Zakarneh attempted to diffuse the situation and improve relations between them. Surveillance footage captured Zakarneh attempting to engage in conversation with Dib before the shooting ensued.
In an effort to de-escalate, Zakarneh reportedly told Dib, “Look, we are just talking,” in response to Dib’s threat. The court heard that although both men attended the same Portland mosque, they had only crossed paths about a month prior to the incident.
Dib’s defense claimed the shooting was in self-defense, despite video evidence showing Zakarneh fleeing when he was shot, according to The Oregonian. Dib’s legal team argued he was provoked by what they described as “mocking language” and “aggressive behavior” from Zakarneh. The pair reportedly had three previous confrontations in the school parking lot.
“I’m a peaceful person but this guy keeps harassing me,” Dib said during a 911 call after the shooting, according to audio played in court. Prosecutors pointed out during his trial that he never claimed to be in fear for his life.
“Noureddine Dib took a loaded firearm to his children’s school,” Multnomah County prosecutor Stephany Mgbadigha said during opening statements.
A GoFundMe launched by Zakarneh’s family describes him as a “kind person who’s very social and loves making people laugh.”
Speaking to reporters about Zakarneh, Palmer said, “My heart and mind is still with the victim of this shooting. … I’ve thought about him and his family every day and the anxiety and the fear that they’ve lived with ever since. Right now, I continue to think about them and the moment of extreme relief that they’re feeling in this moment. I’m incredibly grateful to the jury that gave thoughtful consideration to this evidence and gave the one and only just and true verdict of guilty on all counts.”
Dib is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7.
