A Portland man has been found guilty of attempted murder after opening fire on another parent during a school pickup, following a tense confrontation that escalated into violence.
A Multnomah County jury convicted Noureddine Dib, 43, on Tuesday after roughly 12 hours of deliberation. In addition to attempted murder, Dib was found guilty of multiple charges, including first- and second-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, discharging a firearm within city limits, and reckless endangerment.
The case stems from an October 17, 2024, incident outside the Islamic School of Portland. Authorities said Dib shot 49-year-old Michael Zakarneh in the groin during a brief encounter in the school parking lot shortly before dismissal time.
Surveillance footage presented in court showed Zakarneh approaching Dib’s vehicle, followed by a short exchange before the shooting. After being shot, Zakarneh fled the scene, injuring his ankle as he ran down a set of stairs. He later sought help at a nearby gas station.
Police reports indicated that two gunshots were heard, although only one shell casing was recovered from the scene.
Following the shooting, Dib entered the school building, disassembled his firearm, and called 911. In the call, he claimed he had been harassed by the victim.
Prosecutors argued the act was a dangerous escalation of prior tensions between the two men. Defense attorneys, however, maintained that Dib had been reacting to ongoing threats.
District Attorney Nathan Vasquez described the incident as deeply disturbing.
“This is a place where families should feel safe,” he said. “Our community deserves better.”
After the verdict, the judge ordered Dib to be taken into custody ahead of his sentencing, scheduled for May 7. Prosecutors had raised concerns about the possibility of him fleeing the country.
Attorneys for the victim said the case had taken a toll on Zakarneh, who they claim faced pressure and isolation within his community during the legal process. Defense lawyers disputed those claims.
Officials say the case highlights how quickly personal conflicts can spiral into serious violence — even in spaces meant to be safe for families.
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