The number of fatalities for transgender individuals is rising at an exponential rate in 2020.

Aja Raquell Rhone-Spears, a Black trans woman, was stabbed while at a vigil for another homicide victim in Portland. The 32-year-old became the 26th trans or gender-nonconforming individual killed in the United States this year, Them reported.

According to The Oregonian, the fatal incident happened when a fight broke out during the vigil for Tyrell Penney on Tuesday. Rhone-Spears, who was in the crowd of about 30 people, died at the scene after getting stabbed amid the chaos. A second person was also stabbed at the vigil, but police didn't disclose their injuries.

Police said that while multiple people witnessed the killing, officers at the scene were met with "hostility and a lack of cooperation,” Out reported.

Aja Raquell Rhone-Spears

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