KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Protestors gathered in downtown Kalamazoo on Wednesday evening after the Breonna Taylor grand jury announcement, focusing on local policing issues.
The protest began around 5:30.
But even prior to the indictment announcement, people had planned to come out and demonstrate in front of the courthouse in Kalamazoo.
It was part of a regularly scheduled demonstration to protest the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety and various policing issues.
About 30 people participated.
Organizers say it’s not about the numbers, but rather the importance of the message and enacting change to protect West Michigan communities.
They’re specifically asking for more transparency and accountability within the department – and for more communication with residents.
“My goal is to make sure that nothing like that takes place in our city where we reside,” community activist Tamara Custard said. “So in response to that, what is KDPS doing to make sure that Breonna Taylor doesn’t happen here? What are they doing to prepare our city for the upcoming of whatever? I think it’s important for communication to be a little more open for the residents as well as policy changes.”
Kalamazoo Mayor David Anderson paid a visit to protestors late Wednesday evening to support their cause.
Watch scenes from the protest:
