The family of Ryan Martin, who was fatally shot in a road rage incident in downtown Portland in 2023, has initiated a $40 million lawsuit against Multnomah County and Uber. They argue that Martin’s death was avoidable, asserting that Geoffrey Hammond, the shooter, should never have been issued a concealed handgun license or allowed to work as an Uber driver.
The altercation, which was recorded by several surveillance cameras, erupted when Hammond, waiting for a fare, was confronted by Martin, who expressed concern that Hammond’s vehicle was obstructing traffic. Following a brief exchange, Hammond shot Martin and then fired at another individual who attempted to record the incident, injuring him in the leg. Martin succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
After a mistrial last year, Hammond was found guilty of second-degree murder and attempted murder earlier this year and was sentenced to life in prison, eligible for parole after 30 years. The lawsuit was filed on Thursday in Multnomah County Circuit Court, citing Oregon laws that permit the denial or revocation of a concealed handgun license if the applicant poses a risk to themselves or others due to mental health issues or a history of violent behavior.
The complaint claims that Multnomah County’s handgun license unit ignored Hammond’s previous arrests for misdemeanor domestic battery, assault, and violations of a protective order when it approved his firearm application in July 2021. Additionally, it points out that Hammond’s daughter secured a restraining order against him in Illinois in late 2021, citing a pattern of delusional and harassing behavior, including intimidation with a firearm. Despite being informed, the county reportedly stated it could not revoke the permit based on an out-of-state restraining order.
The lawsuit further alleges that Uber has a policy of conducting thorough background checks on its drivers at the onset of their employment and annually thereafter. It also highlights that Uber prohibits drivers from carrying firearms while working, even if they hold a license.
The family contends that Multnomah County should have recognized Hammond’s unsuitability for a concealed handgun license and that granting him one increased the risk of harm to the public. They also claim that Uber should have been aware of Hammond’s troubled history through its background checks and should have denied him the opportunity to drive for the company.
