January 29, 2010 an unarmed man by the name of Aaron Campbell was shot in the back and killed by a Portland Police officer after he was shot there was no medical attention provided for at least 30 minutes, after being shot he was put in handcuffs. There were several officers on scene that day, from the reports given it appears there was a disconnect in communication among the officers this disconnect cost Aaron his life.
The officer that shot Aaron thought he was reaching for a gun and felt he needed to shoot him to protect his safety. As we review Portland's history this is not the first time an unarmed citizen has been shot by police under the same circumstance. How does a simple call, a traffic stop or something that does not appear to be life threatening ends up in death. I think of Kendra James, James Jahar Perez two other unarmed people of color stopped by police and later killed. Here we are again fighting the same battle.
Portland Police has a long history of social injustices against people of color, as we know by the statistics we have a problem of racial profiling. Oregon Action is working to make changes within the police department. During this critical time we are soliciting the community of Portland to get involved and help fight for social justice. Oregon Action is always looking for new members and/or any financial support.
The residents of Portland deserve better treatment and accountability from the police department. I offer my sincere condolences' to the family of Aaron Campbell.
Kevin Foster
Chair, Racial Profiling Task Group
Oregon Action
Portland Chapter
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