Mother of Sean Kealiher Asks Mourners to Stop Writing on the Democratic Party of Oregon Building by Alex Zielinski • 15 Oct 2019

Laura Kealiher speaks to reporters at the site of her son's death. Alex Zielinski

The mother of Sean Kealiher, the 23-year-old man who died after being hit by an SUV Saturday, has two messages for the public: Stop posting statements online on behalf of her family and stop writing messages on the outer wall of the Democratic Party of Oregon office. 

"I want all public statements to stop," said Laura Kealiher, speaking to reporters this afternoon outside of the offices of the Democratic Party of Oregon on NE 9th and Everett. "They just fuel the rumor mill, which everyone close to Sean has had to suffer through."

Sean died early Saturday morning after someone allegedly drove an SUV into him on the street adjacent to the Democratic Party of Oregon office. Sean was rushed to the hospital in a personal vehicle, but did not survive. According to the Multnomah County Medical Examiner, Sean died from blunt force trauma.

Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officers responded to the scene after neighbors reported hearing gunshots near NE Davis and 8th. That's where officers said they discovered an empty SUV crashed into the side of a building. They found evidence of gunfire in the abandoned vehicle.

PPB has released little public information on their investigation into his death, and has yet to make an arrest. In a Tuesday press release, PPB said the "motive behind this incident is still unknown."

Messages left on the outer wall of the Democratic Party of Oregon offices. Alex Zielinski

Since his death, mourners have turned the office's outer wall into a memorial for Sean, using paint and marker to write messages like "RIP Sean," "Rest in Power," and "Fart on Cops." Others left bouquets of flowers and candles on the sidewalk in front of the building. Sean was an active member of the local anarchist and anti-fascist community, an affiliation also reflected in the wall's messages, such as "ACAB" (All Cops Are Bastards) and "Abolish ICE."

 Brad Martin, director of the Democratic Party of Oregon, said the office has refrained from removing the writing out of respect. "We wanted to give people the space," said Martin on Tuesday afternoon. "We understand the deep grieving process for a remarkable young man who's touched many people."
Martin says the Western States Center has volunteered to help paint over the messages in the next few days.

"Some of you may feel inclined to leave messages on the Democratic Party of Oregon offices after it has been cleaned up," Laura said, "but I am requesting that you refrain."

Laura has asked mourners to join her family in memorializing Sean during a October 26 noon potluck at Chapman Square.

https://www.portlandmercury.com/blogtown/2019/10/15/27318352/mother-of-sean-kealiher-asks-mourners-to-stop-writing-on-the-democratic-party-of-oregon-building