05/29/2026
While the people of Eugene were braving pepper balls and teargas to stand up for immigrant rights on January 30th, Eugene Police officer Martin Siller was making racist and misogynistic comments on a phone call with another officer.
That footage was released on May 8th by one of the protestors arrested at the Federal Building. The footage went viral, and a few hours later Siller resigned.
Police Chief Skinner claims that conduct like Siller’s is never tolerated in the Eugene Police Department, but Siller had been with EPD for 7 years - almost as long as Chief Skinner. And after 7 years, it wasn’t Skinner that got rid of him. It was the community.
Skinner says that he sets the tone of what’s acceptable for EPD, so let’s take a look at the tone he’s setting. Under Skinner’s leadership, the Eugene Police Department has collaborated with ICE and Homeland Security by interfering with legal observers, rapid responders, and protesters, letting ICE agents terrorize our communities.
He championed the use of Flock cameras, a mass surveillance system that tracked the movements of every vehicle in Eugene, without warrants, until the people of Eugene forced the city to cancel the contract.
He has tolerated racism and misogyny, as well accusations of domestic and sexual violence, within the ranks of EPD for years - just as long as the public doesn’t find out.
If that’s the tone Skinner’s setting, then he needs to go! We deserve real accountability, and the removal of Chief Skinner is one of many things we need to make our city one that prioritizes the safety and dignity of all people. We won’t stand for a system that won’t stand for us.
Join the struggle against EPD violence and racism!
📣Join the rally on May 30th at Noon at the Wayne Morse Federal Courthouse
✊Pack the upcoming Eugene City Council Meeting on June 8th at 7:30pm at City Hall (500 E 4th Ave)
📧 Contact the Mayor, City Council and City Manager at [email protected]