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Grand Rapids police are scheduled to release a video today that shows a police officer reportedly shooting a 26-year-old Patrick Lyoya dead, FOX 2 Detroit reported.
Lyoya died at the hands of a police officer during a routine traffic stop in Grand Rapids for a license plate issue on Monday, April 4, according to the report. Police noted that Lyoya fought with police officers before he was shot by an officer that has not been identified, according to the article.
After the police shooting, the public has put out pleas for transparency and to release the video showing what took place.
“Every Black family lives in fear that a routine traffic stop will turn deadly,” Attorney Ben Crump said in a statement on Twitter. “Patrick’s fate is the nightmare we live with every day. It is essential that all video evidence be made public as soon as possible so that we can see with our own eyes and hear with our own ears what happened to Patrick. Full transparency is the only way to regain community trust.”
Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom noted that the footage would be released by Friday.
“The video contains strong language as well as graphic images resulting in the loss of life,” a statement from Winstrom read.
On Facebook, Winstrom reported that in keeping with his commitment to transparency, he said that prior to the public release of the videos taken from the body worn camera, in-car camera, a cell phone and a home surveillance system, he held a press conference to provide additional context to the footage, provide an update and explain next steps in the investigative process.
“The video contains strong language as well as graphic images resulting in the loss of life,” he said. “I thank the public for their patience and understanding while waiting for the release of the video. I intend to continue to be as forthright and transparent during the ongoing investigation which is under the control of the Michigan State Police.”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II issued the following statements on the shooting of Lyoya.
“The Lieutenant Governor and I spoke with Patrick’s family and our hearts are with them and the Grand Rapids community who are dealing with unimaginable pain and loss,” Whitmer said. “Patrick was 26. He arrived in the United States as a refugee with his family fleeing violence. He had his whole life ahead of him. Patrick was a son, a dad of two young daughters, and an older brother to his five siblings.
“The Michigan State Police will conduct a transparent, independent investigation of the shooting. Then, prosecutors must consider all the evidence, follow the law, and take appropriate action on charges. Justice is foundational to safety, and without justice, we are all less safe.”
Gilchrist said that his father Peter described his son as a generous and caring man.
“Whom he wants to be remembered peacefully. Patrick was a loving father, a loyal friend, and a proud member of the Grand Rapids community who enjoyed sharing fellowship and culture with those around him,” Gilchrist said, adding that he is heartbroken.
“I am heartbroken by what we all have witnessed as a father, public servant, and a Black man. People are frustrated and hurting—searching for answers. Black people in Grand Rapids, in Michigan, and across the country are mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted from generations of struggle,” Gilchrist said. “Yet we press on. When we demonstrate and make our voices heard, we must do so in a way that lifts our call for justice beyond the deepening the pain of this community. We must never cease our efforts to reverse inequities, create systemic change, and guarantee justice for communities of color. We must recommit ourselves, through our words and deeds, to working together to build a more perfect union and a Michigan with equality and justice for all, where every interaction within our community, especially those with law enforcement, end with everyone able to return home to their families without harm.
“It is critical now to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to achieve justice, deliver accountability, and understand what happened, for Patrick Lyoya’s family as expeditiously as possible.”
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