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Trump condemns Portland slayings
Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. — President Trump on Monday condemned the fatal stabbing of two good Samaritans trying to help a pair of young women targeted by an anti-Muslim tirade on a Portland 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 said.

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

The mother of one of the women Christian was harassing said she is overwhelmed with gratitude and sadness for the strangers who were stabbed to death when they came to the defense of her daughter, Destinee Mangum. Dyjuana Hudson posted a photo on her Facebook page Saturday of Taliesin Myrddin Namkai Meche, saying: ‘‘Thank you thank you thank you. You will always be our hero. . . . I’m soooooo sorry this happened.’’

On Sunday, Hudson posted a video with her daughter saying they were traumatized by the event.

ASSOCIATED PRESS