Ceremony to honor victims of MAX stabbing attack

Tribute mural to be dedicated during public event on Saturday, plaque to be unveiled at later date.

A public ceremony to honor the victims of the horrific attack on a MAX train will be held on its one-year anniversary this Saturday at the Hollywood Transit Center.

The ceremony will also recognize the outpouring of community support for the victims by dedicating the "We Choose Love" tribute wall mural that is currently transforming the gray walls of the transit center with color, images and words.

The attack occurred last May 26 as a MAX train was approaching the Hollywood stop. According to police reports, a man identified as Jeremy Christian was on board and ranting at two teenage girls of color, one of whom was wearing a hijab, a traditional Muslim headdress. He then attacked three men who stepped foward to defend the girls. Recent Reed College graduate Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche and Happy Valley resident Ricky Best lost their lives, and Micah Fletcher was critically hurt.

Christian was arrested and charged with multiple crimes related to the attack, including aggravated murder.

In the days following the attack, a spontaneous tribute emerged at the center. Loved ones, neighbors and strangers wrote messages of grief, love and resilience in colored chalk on almost all the surfaces. TriMet agreed to create a permanent tribute and commissioned a plaque to commemorate the event.

The regional transit agency also held a competition to select an artist to create a larger tribute with public involvement. Sarah Farahat and a team of other artists, educators and activists began painting the mural two-and-a-half weeks ago. While their work will continue after May 26, the walls facing Northeast Halsey Street will be complete for the ceremony.

Although TriMet planned to unveil the plaque on the one-year anniversary of the attack, it has been determined more time is needed.

TriMet says people may begin gathering at the Hollywood Transit Center at 3:30 p.m. Buses will serve temporary stops outside of the transit center from then through the ceremony.

Commemoration of Heroism & Community

What: Ceremony dedicating "We Choose Love" tribute mural

When: 4 to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, May 26

Where: Hollywood Transit Center, 1410 N.E. 42nd Avenue

To learn more: tinyurl.com/yarrwnqz