Jury Deliberates in Trial Over Shooting Outside Islamic School of Portland

Prosecutors and defense dispute whether confrontation between two fathers was self-defense or attempted murder.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:23am by

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the violent incident outside the Islamic School of Portland and the ongoing legal deliberations.A single spent bullet casing, a stark reminder of the violence that erupted outside a local school and the complex questions of self-defense that now weigh on the jury's decision.Portland Today

Jurors are now deliberating in the trial of Noureddine Dib, who is accused of shooting another father, Michael David Zakarneh, outside the Islamic School of Portland in October 2024. Prosecutors argue the surveillance video shows a deliberate and unjustified act, while the defense claims Dib acted in self-defense due to prior tensions between the two men.

Why it matters

The case has raised concerns about safety and tensions within the local Islamic community, as well as broader questions about when the use of force can be considered justified self-defense.

The details

According to prosecutors, the surveillance footage shows Zakarneh approaching Dib's car before the two began arguing. Seconds later, Dib allegedly pulled out a handgun and fired at Zakarneh, then fired again as Zakarneh was running away. The defense argues Dib feared for his safety based on prior incidents between the two men and used reasonable force to defend himself.

  • The incident occurred on the afternoon of October 17, 2024.
  • Jurors are now deliberating the case.

The players

Noureddine Dib

The defendant, who is accused of shooting another father outside the Islamic School of Portland.

Michael David Zakarneh

The victim, who was shot by Dib in the school drop-off area.

Eric Palmer

The deputy district attorney prosecuting the case.

Tony Schwartz

The defense attorney representing Dib.

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What they’re saying

“When a person shoots at somebody, not just once, but multiple times, that's a clear effort to end a person's life.”

— Eric Palmer, Deputy District Attorney

“He pulls it out and he sees Zakarneh's hand moving in the midsection. He wanted to push him back; he did not want to kill him. He was using force reasonably necessary under the circumstances to defend himself.”

— Tony Schwartz, Defense Attorney

“Those prior incidents are important for my client's mental state. What he knew about Mr. Zakarneh at the time, he pulled the trigger.”

— Tony Schwartz, Defense Attorney

What’s next

The jury will continue deliberating to determine whether Dib's actions were justified self-defense or criminal attempted murder.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and often contentious dynamics within local communities, as well as the challenges in determining when the use of force can be considered lawful self-defense versus an unjustified escalation of violence.