The mother of Sean Kealiher, a 23-year-old activist who was killed in a suspected hit-and-run on Saturday, spoke publicly about her son’s death for the first time on Tuesday.

But standing in front of the Democratic Party of Oregon building in Northeast Portland near the spot where Kealiher was allegedly run down by a silver Ford SUV, Laura Kealiher offered no further details about her son, the circumstances of his death, or the investigation. Portland police, too, have offered few details, and the unexplained circumstances around Kealiher’s death have sparked wild, unconfirmed rumors across social media.

Crime Stoppers of Oregon has offered a $2,500 reward for information -- submitted even anonymously -- that leads to an arrest in the killing of Kealiher. The offer is in partnership with the Portland Police Bureau, according to a news release.

5 Portland activist Sean D. Kealiher dies after being hit by SUV

The SUV ran Sean Kealiher down outside of the Democratic headquarters on Northeast 9th Avenue just after 12 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12. Kealiher’s friends took him to a nearby hospital where he later died of blunt force trauma.

Police arrived after a report of shots fired and found the abandoned SUV crashed into the DPO’s building with evidence of gunfire into the vehicle. A witness who was within earshot at the time said it appeared to have started as a road rage incident.

The next day, a memorial cropped up in front of the building, honoring the self-described anarchist with candles, flowers and graffitied messages of remembrance, anti-fascism and anarchy.

Laura Kealiher asked that the graffiti stop.

“Some of you may be inclined to continue to leave messages on the Democratic Party of Oregon's offices after it has been cleaned up, but I'm requesting that you refrain,” Kealiher’s mother said.

The organization’s deputy director, Molly Woon, has said that the damage is insignificant compared to the loss of the young activist. Brad Martin, the organization’s executive director, said the cleanup will begin soon, depending on rain.

“We wanted to give people the space. We understand the deep grieving; that a really remarkable young man has touched many people," Martin said. "We absolutely wanted to give space for those who needed to mourn.”

Kealiher’s mother said she wants all public statements about her son and the circumstances of his death to stop.

“They just fuel the rumor mill, which everyone close to Sean has to suffer through,” she said.

A memorial potluck will be held for Kealiher on Oct. 26 at noon in Chapman Square for anyone interested, she said. She declined to answer any questions or comment further.

Tips regarding Kealiher’s death can be submitted online at https://www.p3tips.com/823 or an app, P3 Tips, can be downloaded to submit secure and anonymous tips.

-- Emily Goodykoontz; 503-221-6652; egoodykoontz@oregonian.com