The family of Jeremy Christian issued a statement Thursday afternoon offering their sympathy for people affected by a racially motivated attack last week that killed two people and wounded another.

Christian is suspected of the attack on a MAX train at the Hollywood station. He was arraigned Tuesday on nine charges -- two counts of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, first-degree assault, two counts of intimidation and three counts of unlawful use of a weapon.

The statement says:

The Christian Family offer their heartfelt condolences to those men who lost their lives at the hands of their son on May 26, 2017.

"We offer our deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased; to the young women harassed; and to everyone who tried to protect these young women.

"We cannot begin to understand this senseless act. We abhor violence, racism, and bigotry. We are praying for healing for everyone affected by the horrible actions of our son."

A phone call to Portland attorney David Lesh, who issued the statement on behalf of the family, was not immediately returned.

The May 26 attacks horrified Portlanders and made headlines around the country. Police and witnesses say Christian yelled racist and anti-Muslim remarks to two girls on the TriMet MAX train.

Christian is accused of stabbing three men who tried to intervene. Rick Best and Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche died, and Micah Fletcher was wounded but is recovering.

-- Allan Brettman