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Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigators have identified Robert Jacob Hoopes as a suspect in the assault of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer during protests in Portland, Oregon, through the use of facial recognition software, as stated in a criminal complaint.
The FBI special agent mentioned in the complaint that a photo shared on OregonLive.com was analyzed using facial recognition software, which provided 30 possible comparison photos from public databases. Upon review, the FBI found a matching photo on a Reed College SmugMug page that revealed a tattoo on the suspect’s forearm, identical to the one seen on the suspect at the protest.
An individual believed to be Robert Jacob Hoopes allegedly throwing rocks at an ICE building. (United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon)
Hoopes was taken into custody at his residence and charged with aggravated assault of a federal officer and damaging government property. The criminal complaint details that Hoopes threw a rock at an ICE officer, causing significant injury that required medical treatment beyond basic first aid.
Following the rock-throwing incident, Hoopes was reportedly part of a group using a stop sign pole to damage a door, resulting in significant repair costs. The complaint alleges that Hoopes was actively involved in trying to break down the door.
Law enforcement agents stand after tear gas was deployed outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs building during a protest Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)
Tom Hoopes, the suspect’s father, described his son as a lifelong Quaker committed to pacifism. While acknowledging his son’s presence at the protest, he emphasized his dedication to justice without specifying his exact involvement.
“The outpouring of love and support from the community, especially the Quaker community, has been invaluable and instrumental in securing Jacob’s release. I am incredibly grateful,” said Tom Hoopes in a statement to Friends Journal, a Quaker publication.
Robert Jacob Hoopes and others allegedly using a stop sign as a battering ram. (United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon)
Hoopes is scheduled for arraignment on August 15 and faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the assault charge and up to 10 years for property damage.
