FBI Identifies Portland Protest Suspect Robert Jacob Hoopes Using Facial Recognition

The FBI has identified Robert Jacob Hoopes as a suspect in the severe injury of an ICE officer during protests that took place in Portland, Oregon. This identification was made possible through the use of facial recognition software, as detailed in a criminal complaint concerning the case. An FBI special agent noted that a photo published on OregonLive.com was input into commercially available facial recognition software, which returned 30 potential matches from public databases. Investigators from the FBI's Portland division reviewed these results and discovered a photograph from a Reed College SmugMug page showcasing a tattoo on Hoopes’ forearm, which matched that of the individual seen at the anti-ICE demonstration on June 14.

Hoopes was taken into custody at his residence on Friday and charged with aggravated assault against a federal officer as well as damaging government property. According to the allegations in the complaint, he reportedly threw a rock that struck an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officer in the face, leading to significant injury and excessive bleeding that impaired the officer's vision. The complaint further indicates that the officer required medical attention beyond basic first aid due to the incident. Following the attack, Hoopes was reportedly observed with two companions using a metal stop sign pole to attempt to break down a door, an act described in the complaint as him "leading the charge." The estimated cost to replace the damaged door was $7,747.72.

Tom Hoopes, the father of the accused, has characterized his son as a lifelong Quaker committed to pacifism. While he did not dispute his son's participation in the protest, he refrained from commenting on the specifics of his actions during the event, emphasizing his son's dedication to justice. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support received from their community, particularly the Quaker community, which he notes was instrumental in persuading the judge to grant Jacob's release. Hoopes is expected to appear for arraignment on August 15, facing potential prison sentences of up to 20 years for the assault charge and up to 10 years for damaging government property, according to statements from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.