Family Of BK Man Shot By Police To Host 'Mental Health Town Hall'

CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — Family of a man shot by police in Crown Heights will continue their campaign for justice with a "Mental Health Town Hall" this month.

The virtual event, to be held Feb. 20, will mark exactly two months since police fired ten shots at Eudes Pierre in an incident police deemed "suicide by cop."

It is the latest in a campaign by family to seek justice for Pierre, who say mental health experts should have been at the scene to help the 26-year-old. Family and friends kicked off their organizing in January with a "Light the Night March" from the Eastern Parkway block where Pierre was shot by police to the 71st Precinct.

The #JusticeForEudes campaign includes a push for the "Eudes Pierre law," which would require a mental health specialist as the first responder to police calls where someone is having a mental health crisis.

Pierre, who suffered from bipolar disorder, was fatally shot after leading officers on a chase while holding a pink knife, according to police. The NYPD later deemed the shooting a "suicide by cop," saying Pierre had called 911 on himself and left a suicide note at his family's home before the incident.

At the Mental Health Town Hall, speakers will go over their proposed law and discuss the need for mental health services, according to a flyer.

Here's what to know about the event:

WHEN: 6 p.m. on Feb. 20

WHERE: Held virtually on Zoom. Find a link here. (Meeting ID: 518 810 1618; Passcode: justice4ep)

INVITED GUESTS:

• Civil Rights Leader Dr. Kevin McCall
• Attorney Sanford Rubenstein
• City Council Member Crystal Hudson
• City Council Member Linda Lee
• Suzette Russell, LMSW empowerment coach
• Jay Jimenez, motivational support speaker
• Jae Martinez, Hats Low Movement mental health advocate