GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A crowd gathered for a rally after the death of Patrick Lyoya by a Grand Rapids police officer.
Members of Lyoya's family, including his father Peter Mashingo Lyoya, led the march on Saturday. The elder Lyoya spoke to the crowd, asking them to remain peaceful and to not damage anything.
NOW | A rally is under way for Patrick Lyoya, the man shot and killed by Grand Rapids Police earlier this week.
— Marisa Oberle (@marisa_oberleTV) April 9, 2022
A few dozen people are here, holding signs that call for video of the shooting to be released, among other things.
Very emotional — Patrick’s family is here. @FOX17 pic.twitter.com/M1SWnwntV9
The crowd marched down the street, as residents watched and recorded the group from their front doors. The hundreds of people taking part called out many time for the video of the shooting to be released.
At one point the march paused as people demonstrated how they say Lyoya was killed by the officer. They continually chanted Lyoya's name, and called for justice in his death.
“The world needs to know, the world needs to see” - Lyoya family interpreter.
— Marisa Oberle (@marisa_oberleTV) April 9, 2022
Two people re-enact how family says Patrick was killed.
Family, who has seen video of his death, says the GRPD officer shot him in the back of the head. They’ve called it an execution. @FOX17 pic.twitter.com/pjyiYu4Rwy
Lyoya’s family interpreter holds a demonstration of what he and Patrick’s father say the saw in the video that led to Patrick’s death. pic.twitter.com/V6NWwu5VzS
— Matt Witkos Reporter (@matt_witkos) April 9, 2022
At several points Lyoya's mother stopped and broke down sobbing. The emotion of losing her son, knocking her off her feet at least once.
Patrick Lyoya’s mother is grieving for her son, who was killed by Grand Rapids police officer. pic.twitter.com/VTR56IACFs
— Matt Witkos Reporter (@matt_witkos) April 9, 2022
Following the march, a vigil for Lyoya was held.
A moment of silence is held for Patrick.
— Marisa Oberle (@marisa_oberleTV) April 9, 2022
Protestors are now at the Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation where they plan to hold a vigil in his honor. It starts at 5p. @FOX17 pic.twitter.com/dqrwYdTnT7
This march for Patrick Lyoya has been incredibly peaceful. pic.twitter.com/Nb4aKghdTa
— Matt Witkos Reporter (@matt_witkos) April 9, 2022
Patrick Lyoya died Monday, April 4, after being shot by a Grand Rapids police officer near the intersection of Griggs Street and Nelson Avenue. Chief Eric Winstrom told FOX 17 Lyoya ran from the officer, and then struggled with that officer when the officer caught up to him. Investigators say the officer shot Lyoya during the struggle.
While Lyoya's family, Kent County commissioner Robert Womack, and community activists demanded the immediate release of body camera footage, Chief Eric Winstrom said he would give investigators with Michigan State Police at least a week to gather information before doing so. On Friday he issued a statement, committing to releasing the video no later than April 15 at noon.
Lyoya's family have been shown the body camera video, and according to an interpreter, the video depicts the officer shooting Lyoya in the back of the head while lying face down on the ground.
How we got here:
Man shot, killed by officer during traffic stop in Grand Rapids
Man identified in Grand Rapids officer involved shooting
Family demands answers, remembers life of man killed in GR officer-involved shooting
GRPD Chief on delaying release of video: this is not a cover-up
Kent County prosecutor: GRPD can share video of officer-involved shooting without his approval
‘I’m bleeding. I’m hurt:’ Father wants video of deadly officer-involved shooting released
