GRAND RAPIDS (WWJ) -- The Grand Rapids Police Department has released video footage of a police officer fatally shooting 26-year-old Patrick Lyoya in the head on April 4.
The roughly 20-minute video was released during a Wednesday press conference. Earlier in the day, the city set up concrete barriers around the police station as protestors held rallies and marches in the wake of the shooting.
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The video footage is from multiple sources — including the officer's body-worn camera, an in-police car camera, a cell phone video from a passenger inside Lyoya's vehicle and a home surveillance system across the street.
Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom did not release the name of the officer involved in the shooting, citing the ongoing investigation by Michigan State Police.
The officer has been on the city's police force since 2015, officials said. The officer has been placed on paid leave and stripped of his police powers, pending the outcome of the investigation.
Hundreds of protestors gathered in downtown Grand Rapids Wednesday afternoon, marching and chanting outside of the city's police headquarters. Videos on social media showed demonstrators remained peaceful and organizers were encouraging others to do so.
As night fell on Michigan's second biggest city, video showed protestors marching in a circle around headquarters. Protestors had mostly dispersed by 10 p.m. and traffic returned to Monroe Center Street, according to WOOD TV's ByronTollefson.
An advisory for video viewers: Because of the sensitive and graphic content of the video, police said the footage is available on the city’s YouTube channel with age restrictions in place. The video contains strong language as well as graphic images resulting in the loss of life. Viewer discretion is advised. Following the press conference, police will provide a public link with the nine source videos that was used to compile the presentation video.
"Please note that the videos are unedited, but some video images may have been redacted/blurred to ensure privacy. No audio has been edited," Winstrom said, adding that the video release "will ensure that the integrity of the investigation, in the interests of justice and accountability, will be protected."
The officer pulled Lyoya over near Griggs and Nelson because the license plate did not match the car, according to police.
Video shows Lyoya getting out of the vehicle shortly after he was pulled over. The officer tells him to get back in the vehicle, but Lyoya does not. He asked Lyoya, an immigrant from the Democratic Republic of Congo, if he spoke English, to which he replied "yes."
Lyoya then asked another passenger inside the car to get his driver's license. As Lyoya shuts the driver's door, the officer tells him "no," as he walks toward the front of the car.
A lengthy struggle then ensues. Video shows the officer and Lyoya tussling in the front yard of a home. At some point during the struggle, the two go to the ground and it appears the officer kicks or knees Lyoya as he resists.
The officer fired his taser twice and told Lyoya multiple times to let go of the taser as they struggled for control of it for about 90 seconds, the chief said. Winstrom said it does not appear Lyoya was struck by either shot.
Moments later, the cell phone video shows the officer pulling his gun and telling Lyoya to let go of the taser. A few seconds later, the fatal gunshot is heard and Lyoya collapses to the ground.
Prior to the shot, the officer was on top of Lyoya as the two struggled on the ground. It appeared backup officers were close to arriving at the scene.
Winstrom said prior to the press conference, "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."
During Wednesday's press conference, Winstrom said while he had footage from the body camera, the police car and the home surveillance system, he knew there was a fourth video that he had not seen. Citing the ongoing MSP investigation, he wanted to wait until all four video sources could be released at the same time.
There were no representatives from the Kent County Prosecutor's Office in attendance at Wednesday's press conference. The department's decision to release the video was reportedly against the request of the prosecutor's office.
Tuesday night, more than 100 people marched to the Grand Rapids City Commission meeting at City Hall to demand justice for Lyoya. It was the first time the panel has met since, on April 4, it's alleged that Lyoya ran from police and then was killed during a confrontation and struggle with officers on the city's southeast side.
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Grand Rapids faith leader Jerry Bishop is urging the public to remain calm and peaceful.
"What we need you to do is trust is and our leadership when we're asking you, as a team, we're asking you collectively as a community to stand down on violence, thoughts of violence, and any level of community vandalism," Bishop said.
In a statement released to WOOD-TV on Wednesday Lyoya’s family also called for peace.
“No protests at this time. We don’t want violence out there. We want to avoid any violence," the published statement read.
Michigan State Police and the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office, meanwhile, are reviewing the incident. Although a decision on possible charges is not expected this week.
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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement after the video was released:
“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. 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.
“Patrick’s father asked me to convey his hope that any demonstrations in his son’s honor remain peaceful, and as Governor I share this view. We must come together and build a future where Black Michiganders are afforded equal rights, dignity, and safety in our communities. I will never stop fighting to make Michigan a more equitable and just state.”