Dark Mode
Wednesday, 25 December 2024
Logo
Michigan police release footage of officer shooting Black man during traffic stop
Police in the US state of Michigan release footage of officer shooting Black man during traffic stop (File photo: Pixabay)

The A news reported, police in the U.S. state of Michigan released four videos Wednesday of a police shooting earlier this month that left a Black man dead.

The videos, released by the Grand Rapids Police Department, show an officer fatally shooting Patrick Lyoya, 26, in the back of the head during a traffic stop in Grand Rapids on April 4.

Grand Rapids police Chief Eric Winstrom said at a press conference: "It's an absolute tragedy. It's heartbreaking. It's been a difficult time internally for the police department."

According to one video, Lyoya was on the ground and facing away from the officer, who later pulled the trigger.

The shooting came after a two-minute struggle between the two men. The police officer, whose identity has yet to be released, reportedly stopped Lyoya because his license plate did not match his vehicle.

The videos, released by the Grand Rapids Police Department, show an officer fatally shooting Patrick Lyoya, 26, in the back of the head during a traffic stop in Grand Rapids on April 4 (File photo: Pixabay)
The videos, released by the Grand Rapids Police Department, show an officer fatally shooting Patrick Lyoya, 26, in the back of the head during a traffic stop in Grand Rapids on April 4 (File photo: Pixabay)

Lyoya, the father of two young daughters, arrived in the U.S. from Congo as a refugee with his family, fleeing violence.

George Floyd's murderer sentenced to more than 22 years in prison

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the Michigan State Police will conduct a transparent, independent investigation of the shooting.

She said in a statement: "Justice is foundational to safety, and without justice, we are all less safe."

Ben Crump, a lawyer for the family, said on Twitter: "We DEMAND that the officer who killed Patrick not only be terminated for his excessive and fatal force, but be arrested and prosecuted for his violent, reckless, and unjustified killing of this Black man during a misdemeanor traffic stop!"

At least 13 people were shot and injured at a subway station in New York City

The report pointed out that the incident prompted protests in the city.

Source: anews