Stirring in Michigan after the death of a black man, killed by a police officer


The death of a 26-year-old black man, killed by a white police officer, arouses great excitement in Grand Rapids, Michigan (northern United States).

Patrick Lyoya died on April 4, but it was only after the publication of videos showing the circumstances of his death that anger took hold of the population.

On Wednesday evening, several dozen demonstrators gathered in the city center to protest. They notably carried “Black Lives Matter” signs, the emblematic slogan of the anti-racist protests of 2020 after the death of George Floyd. “No justice, no peace”, also chanted the demonstrators, reports AFP.

The policeman placed on leave

Shocking images circulating on social media show the white police officer lying on Patrick Lyoya’s back. The latter tries to struggle before the officer shoots him, visibly in the head. According to initial information, the altercation had broken out after a traffic stop and the two men found themselves on the ground to take control of the police officer’s taser.

The latter, whose identity has not been revealed, has been placed on paid leave while the Michigan State Police investigate.

“I consider this a tragedy,” Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom said Wednesday at a news conference where the videos were released. “The loss of a life, regardless of the circumstances, is sad, and I know it will impact our city,” he added.

Images of Wednesday’s protests are reminiscent of events in 2020. The death of African-American George Floyd, who was killed by a white police officer who knelt on his neck as he repeated he could not breathe, sent shock waves around the world.

Demonstrations against police violence and for racial equality had been initiated in the United States before spreading to several countries.





Source link -80