Two Portlanders have been recognized as finalists for the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s Citizen Honor Award.
Oregon Democratic U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer announced in a statement Wednesday that Keanon Lowe and Ricky Best received nominations for “demonstrating extraordinary heroism while risking their lives for the well-being of those in their community.”
Best died after being fatally stabbed on a Portland MAX train for standing up against Jeremy Christian, a man who was spewing racist hate speech toward two teenage girls of color, one of whom was Muslim. Christian was accused of killing two people and injuring a third in the stabbing attack. A Portland jury found Jeremy Christian guilty of all counts last Friday, including two counts of first-degree murder and a count of first-degree attempted murder.
Lowe, a former University of Oregon football star and former Parkrose High School coach, risked his life after safely preventing a potential school shooting at Parkrose in 2019. Lowe was able to calm down a student who came into the school with a loaded firearm attempting to harm himself. Lowe diffused the situation by disarming the student and giving him a hug. Lowe is now a football coach at West Linn High School.
“Mr. Lowe and Mr. Best are heroes. Their courage and sacrifice not only saved lives, but courageously showed us that hate will never win,” Blumenauer said in a statement.
“Recognizing them with the Citizens Honor Award nomination is the least that can be done. We must continue seeking opportunities for their selfless spirit to live on every day. Portland will continue to stand against hate, and I’m proud to represent a city with such strong values.”
The honorees will be announced on March 12.
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