A leisurely visit to Portland’s renowned Powell’s Books took a disturbing turn when a woman reported being spat upon during her shopping experience. This unsettling event, which occurred on Sunday, is currently under investigation by the Portland Police Bureau as a potential bias crime.

According to police, the incident unfolded when officers were dispatched to the popular downtown bookstore following a call from the woman. She claimed a man had confronted her in the café area of the store and spat on her, an event that shocked onlookers who were either perusing the store’s extensive book collection or dining in the café.

The victim, who has chosen to be known only by her first name, Kate, recounted the traumatic experience to KATU. Her account highlights the distressing nature of the encounter, witnessed by numerous patrons in one of the city’s most beloved cultural landmarks.

The horrifying encounter unfolded in full view of other shoppers who were browsing the iconic store’s shelves and eating in the cafe.

The victim, who asked to be identified only by her first name, Kate, described the moment to KATU.

‘It was Sunday night and my husband and I were shopping for books. I had just gotten a new job, so I was hoping to pick up some books to help me do well in my new job, and buy some holiday gifts,’ Kate explained.

‘I ordered a coffee, and I was waiting for my husband to arrive. I paid for the coffee and while I was waiting, I noticed some man was staring at me – watching me from the risers. I kind of ignored it at first. I thought, “Okay, whatever.” The café was really crowded – dozens of people, families. It was packed. 

‘I walked around the counter, and as I approached the pickup area, this man spat at me from about five feet away,’ Kate said. ‘It felt targeted, even though I don’t know who he is. For some reason, I was the chosen victim.

Kate says she was shopping inside Powell’s Books in Portland, Oregon, when she was suddenly spat on by a man

A spokesperson for Powell’s said staff moved quickly once the assault was reported

‘It was very intentional – forceful. It was a shocking amount of spit, and it traveled quite far. He was still about five feet away from me. I believe he was aiming for my face, but my head was turned and it landed in my hair. I was in complete shock, Kate said.

Police described the suspect as a 5ft 7ins, white male with light brown hair, a beard, who was wearing a stained white shirt and had a half-open black backpack with a bottle of wine in it.

Kate went on: ‘After that happened, the man continued staring directly at me, not breaking eye contact, repeatedly saying, “I have COVID.” To me, that was especially disturbing. COVID is not something to take lightly, and using it as a threat after degrading and menacing someone in front of dozens of people was just shocking.’

Investigators said details remain limited, but confirmed ‘the suspect could be facing a bias crime.’

The bookstore is a landmark in Portland drawing locals, tourists, families and students every day. 

Kate says she was also very disappointed how staff handled the incident.

‘Powell’s did nothing. There was no on-site security. No one to help de-escalate the situation or keep us safe. There seemed to be no protocol in place if he had pulled out a knife, a gun, or tried to physically harm us,’ Kate said. 

‘The employees shrugged it off as if things like that happen all the time – as if women can’t feel safe in bookstores. It was disgusting and dismaying to witness. 

The encounter unfolded in full view of other shoppers inside the store and cafe

‘I just want to feel safe to go to a book store. I’m shocked at how Powell’s responded. These employees are not quipped to handle anything like and don’t know what to do,’ Kate explained. 

‘It was super degrading – to spit on a woman, physically place yourself above her, and then spit on her in such an intentional way. And afterward to imply, “I just got you sick,” using COVID as a weapon, is deeply disgusting and not acceptable. 

Even when the man had left the bookstore, Kate and her husband still felt unsafe.

‘The man stormed out and as he left, he was threatening us with violence, saying he was going to hurt us. For a moment, we were worried he would come back with a weapon. 

‘What shocked me too was the bystander effect. There were over a dozen people—parents, families, children – and not a single person spoke up to help me,’ Kate said. 

In a statement, a spokesperson for Powell’s said staff moved quickly once the assault was reported.

‘We’ve completed an initial review of the incident, including video footage. Our Operations Officers responded within two minutes, the incident occurred at 4.39pm and the individual was escorted out by 4.41pm. without further incident,’ the spokesperson said.

‘Powell’s did nothing,’ Kate claimed. ‘There was no on-site security. No one to help de-escalate the situation or keep us safe’

Powell’s also confirmed the man has been ‘permanently excluded from Powell’s, consistent with our standard safety procedures.’

The company underscored the seriousness of the attack and its impact on both guests and employees.

‘We never want any customer to have an experience like this, and the safety of our guests and staff is of the utmost importance,’ the statement read.

Powell’s has also said video of the incident has been sent to Portland police. Daily Mail has also reached out to Powell’s for further comment.