Brian “Hakiym” Simpson, a 42-year-old Black wildland firefighter from Cincinnati, Ohio, is serving a 70-month sentence at Oregon's Snake River Correctional Institution following a second-degree assault conviction, according to reports. The conviction stems from a June 17, 2024, altercation with fellow firefighter Brandon Olson at a Grayback Forestry housing facility in Merlin, Oregon. Simpson contends he acted in self-defense after Olson, who is white, allegedly used a racial slur and initiated physical aggression. 

According to court testimonies, Olson confronted Simpson and other colleagues, allegedly telling Simpson to "pull your Fn pants up, n****," before striking him multiple times. Simpson reportedly kept his hands behind his back during the initial blows but eventually retaliated. Witnesses stated that Olson pursued Simpson even after he attempted to disengage. 

Despite Olson admitting to throwing the first punch and toxicology reports indicating he had illicit substances in his system, Simpson was convicted by an all-white jury in Josephine County. Supporters argue that racial bias influenced the trial's outcome. Organizations like the Black Alliance and Social Empowerment of Southern Oregon (BASE) and the NAACP's Eugene-Springfield chapter have called on Governor Tina Kotek to grant clemency, highlighting concerns about systemic racism and the fairness of the judicial process.

Simpson's defense attorney, Eric Fournier, emphasized that Olson acknowledged initiating the physical confrontation and that Simpson's actions were in self-defense. Fournier also noted that the jury may not have received adequate instructions regarding self-defense laws.

While Simpson's appeal is pending, which could take years, his supporters continue to advocate for his immediate release through clemency. Simpson, a father of four, remains hopeful about returning to firefighting and contributing positively to his community.