From Fairgrounds to Courtroom: Black Man Sues Armed Cowboys After They Thought He Was A Suspect And Snatched Him Up At Oregon County Fair

In Eugene, Oregon, a federal civil rights lawsuit was filed by Keviantae “Kev” Hill, alleging racial profiling, assault, and unlawful detention by armed vigilante volunteers affiliated with the local sheriff's civilian “posse.” Hill, a 20-year-old from Portland, attended the Lane County Fair on July 22, 2023. Following a few hours at a friend's house, he returned to the event when two men in a golf cart started pursuing him, claiming a need for conversation without identification.The lawsuit claims the posse members, initially tasked with assisting parking, mistook Hill for a suspect in a previous shooting. They followed him across public spaces, eventually tackling him despite his asthma, and denying him medical help, even after calling for law enforcement, which affirmed Hill was not a suspect. The complaint contends that the posse overstepped their authority and engaged in excessive force, violating Hill's rights due to racial bias. The lawsuit seeks damages for his injuries and emotional distress. (Photo: LaneCountyOR.Gov)