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Babb Family Brings Attention To Police Violence At Eugene Press Conference

(Alec Cowan/KLCC)

The family of a veteran killed by Eugene Police argued for changes in policing at a press conference Thursday in front of the Lane County Courthouse. 

The Babb family is drawing attention to police tactics and violence, and is hoping to build support around Brian Babb’s shooting.

Babb was a 49 year old veteran of the Army National Guard with known PTSD. He was shot and killed by police on March 30, 2015, after firing a gun into his floor and calling his therapist for help. The therapist then called 911. 

Stephanie Babb, Brian’s sister, read a comment written by Brian’s two children:

"Our father didn't deserve to die for having PTSD. He joins the roughly 1200 people killed by police in 2015. Our hope is that this community will see this issue and work to correct it."

The Eugene Police have examined reforms for cases dealing with veterans and those experiencing mental health crises since the shooting. The Babb family is also introducing Brian’s Bill, which would standardize how police departments should approach veterans and those with mental health problems.