GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Five people were arrested in downtown Grand Rapids following what police described as an unpermitted "pop-up" event in support of the life of Breonna Taylor, a former Grand Rapids resident who was shot and killed by officers in Louisville, Kentucky, in March.
Around 6 p.m. Sunday, about 100 people parked their cars on Fulton Street from Division to LaGrave, in an attempt to block traffic and hold the event at the intersection of Division and Fulton.
Grand Rapids Police worked with participants for about 20 minutes to ensure their safety, encouraging them to move out of the street and avoid any potential harm.
No crowd control measures were necessary, but officers wound up arresting five people for resisting and obstructing. Additionally, one of the cars being used to block traffic was towed.
“I, along with the community, continue to be saddened by the death of Breonna Taylor and understand the concerns about how her life was lost,” Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Payne said. “That is why I am actively working to improve community safety in Grand Rapids.
"I want this to be a city where all people feel safe and are safe at all times throughout our community."
Anyone looking to organize a free speech event is encouraged to first contact the City of Grand Rapids Office of Special Events by calling 616-456-3378 or emailing specialevents@grcity.us.
