Incident Outside Islamic School of Portland Under Scrutiny
A Portland man on trial for shooting another parent during a school pick-up is claiming he acted in self-defense, as court proceedings continue in Multnomah County.
Noureddine Dib, 43, faces serious charges including attempted murder and first-degree assault in connection with the 2024 shooting of Michael Zakarneh, 49.
Longstanding Tensions Between Parents
According to court testimony, the two men had multiple confrontations prior to the incident, often related to disputes in the school’s crowded parking area.
Prosecutors argue that these earlier encounters were verbal disagreements that did not justify the use of deadly force.
Shooting Captured on Surveillance
The incident occurred on October 17, 2024, during afternoon pick-up hours.
Surveillance footage shown in court reportedly captures:
- Zakarneh approaching Dib’s vehicle
- A brief exchange between the two
- Dib firing a single shot, striking Zakarneh
After being shot, Zakarneh fled the scene and suffered additional injuries while attempting to escape.
Conflicting Claims: Self-Defense vs. Excessive Force
Prosecutors allege Dib brought a loaded firearm to a school setting and escalated the situation unnecessarily.
However, the defense argues that Dib feared for his life, claiming:
- Zakarneh had previously displayed aggressive behavior
- There had been earlier confrontations, including alleged threats
- On the day of the incident, Zakarneh approached in a threatening manner
Dib later called 911, stating he had been harassed, though prosecutors note he did not initially say he feared for his life.
Key Evidence and Ongoing Trial
Authorities recovered a shell casing from a 9mm handgun, and audio recordings captured gunfire at the scene.
The trial, overseen by Circuit Judge Andrew Lavin, is expected to continue into next week as both sides present further evidence and witness testimony.
Case Raises Broader Safety Concerns
The incident has drawn attention to safety issues at school pick-up zones and the risks of escalating conflicts in crowded public spaces.
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